Welcome to the 2002 Newsletter
for A. B. Barthle family!

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Front cover

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From Margie:
Happy Holidays to All:

Time seems to fly faster the older you get and the more fun you have. Jim and I have slowed down some but seem to be as busy as ever. We’re just doing different things now.

Jim bought a 1968 Cadillac Calais 2 door coupe in the spring. It had been stored in a barn for several years and had only 37,000 miles on it. It is original even the paint. The first Saturday of each month Dade City has a ‘Cruise In’ where people bring their classic cars, and people come from all around to see them. He gets to see people he has not seen in years and has made new acquaintances.

He has a garden with mustard greens. We all enjoy them at this time of year. Also, the neighbors come and pick for their use. In the spring garden, we had black-eyed peas, okra, tomatoes, watermelons, green beans, squash, corn, pole beans and potatoes.

This year he is building the Titanic. It is very detailed. The people that will go on it toward the completion are only about ¼” tall. The overall length is approximately 30 inches.

Jim still works at the Farm Basket Market. He keeps up the yard. Works in the grove and is now selling oranges. When he gets large orders, everyone comes to help.

HeavyQuip is still my work place. I was working around 50 hours a week last year but have cut back to around 40. HeavyQuip has bought 7 acres of property about 5 miles north of Dade City at the Intersection of U.S. Hwy 301 & U.S. Hwy 98. Plans are to build and be in the new building by the middle of next summer.

I am enjoying the sewing machine everyday. Now that I have a new laptop, I don’t have to move my sewing machine to the office if I am downloading embroidery designs to my sewing machine. I have taken several lessons, some making quilts, some on embroidery and some on computer lessons learning to digitize a picture to embroidery.

We really enjoy our family. We went to Lake Weir in June. All of the family was there sometime during the week. Jim even managed to avoid backing his truck into the lake in five feet of water like he did last year. We had a nice Thanksgiving. Almost all of the family was able to be here. Some had to leave earlier than others but everything was cleaned up and put up before the last left.

It’s time to get this sent to Dan. I want to thank him for keeping all of us together. We think of all of you very often and wish each a Very

Happy Holiday and a Prosperous New Year. Love from both of us.

Jim & Margie

From Steve & Mae:
Hi Everyone--Hope everyone had a good year. (hard to believe it's that time again!!!)
We are all doing fine. Mae and I are still working at the fire department, seems to get busier and busier with each passing year. Mae's station got a new ambulance a few weeks ago due to a wreck (Mae wasn't on duty and no one was hurt, just the ambulance, which landed on its side) These trucks sure have changed from when Mae and I first started working for the fire department!!!!!!! My station will be getting a new fire truck after the first of the year which will be great. Chris rode 10 hours with me on the rescue thru school--take your child to work day. He really liked it and it was great to have him there observing what I do at work. I was even going to put him to work at a vehicle accident because he has his first aid, but no one was hurt.(of course I would be right there with him). I started a part time job in the emergency room at Spring Hill Hospital (seems like I can't get enough of the stuff). I do a lot of other things that we don't do on the rescue truck, I sure have put a lot of arm casts on lately!! Chris is still doing very good in school. He just turned 14 (WOW!!) and already talking about driving! He is also still active with the Boy Scouts. Chris is now the Chaplains aid and I am Chaplain for the troop. Chris recently made star level and needs to advance two more levels to make Eagle! On a recent outing with the scouts, riding the bikes to the campground, Chris' chain jammed and his pedal broke and he fell onto the asphalt path. He hit his head on the ground and fractured his arm by his elbow. Even though he had his helmet on (thank God) he still had a concussion. We are strong believers of helmets even if going a short distance or on a bike trail and it sure paid off this time! (I would hate to think what the outcome could have been without it, he hit the ground hard!! ) He is fine now (can't keep kids down long). Lori is doing well also, she still lives in Tampa has a nice apartment and works for Avila Golf and Country Club. She loves it! We don't see her as often as we would like due to schedules, but we stay in touch by phone and get together when we can (we all know how that is). Spencer is doing good. He is a teenager now and in middle school and doing well. He is in band and doing great. He and Chris get together at least every other weekend. When he's not by us, he is usually riding his bike with his friends in his neighborhood.
We sure hope everyone has a great, safe, happy, healthy and blessed holiday season. Don't forget to look us up if you are ever in out in our neck of the woods!!
Love to all----Steve, Mae Chris, Lori & Spencer

From Renee:

Happy Holidays Everyone,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful year!

It’s hard to believe Jessica is now a freshman in college. She is currently attending PHCC & doing well. She graduated in May, Cum Laude from Pasco High School. She received the MVP award for the Pasco High girls golf team. She also helped coach the new players & was captain of the team.

As a member of the DCT team, she placed 1st in PowerPoint Presentation in the State of Florida. The competition was held in Orlando, she really enjoyed that experience. She is also the leader for the Progressive 4-H Clover Buds group. She does stay really busy. Can you tell, we are really proud of her & her accomplishments.

I’m still at the same job (22 years) and staying busy trying to keep up with Clark & Jessica’s schedules. Clark & I are starting a side business (Clark’s All-Around Services), the business consists of lots of different things, mostly property maintenance, tree trimming, equipment hauling, animal hauling, etc. We purchased a bucket truck & gooseneck flatbed trailer, then plus all of our other equipment I think we have what we need to get a good start.

Clark is still working long hours for Ogden Martin/Covanta Energy (12 years), however it has been a real challenge, since the company filed Chapter 11 in April. He is also in his 5th year as General Manager & 19th year as a Board member of the Pasco County Fair Association. In April he was elected Secretary/Treasurer for the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Pasco County. Keeping up with his schedule plus Jessica’s can be very mind-boggling!!

On Halloween we were really surprised by a visit from Clark’s son, Shawn. He was vacationing in Florida with his fiancé, Michele. They stayed with us through the weekend. It was great having them around. They live in Wisconsin, & are planning a June wedding. We are hope to attend. They sure did enjoy the Florida sunshine.

In November we traveled to Panama City for the wedding of Clark’s great-niece, and got to spend some valuable time with his sister, brother in-law, & nephew, (Peggy, Jim & James) from California. We really enjoyed visiting with them.

The weekend of Thanksgiving, Clark traveled to LasVegas to attend the annual convention of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, it was a 5-6 day conference, while he was there he received a phone call from his sister to inform him that his brother in-law (Jim) has passed away as a result of a heart attack. We are so thankful that we took the time to travel to Panama City for that visit with them.

What a wonderful thing it is to be a part of a family that is so close.

May all of your lives be blessed in the up coming year!

Lots of Love,

Clark, Renee & Jessica

From Mary Beth:
Hello to All!

Well, I must say this has been a pretty good year for us. Everyone is healthy and happy. We’ve taken several vacations this year, including Lake Weir, St.Simons Island, Siesta Key, Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Daytona Beach, Disney World and we’re flying to Nashville tomorrow to see Gene’s Family.

Elise, of course, keeps us busy. She’s in Pre-K4 and still cheerleading for the Wildcats. Her team has grown to 30 girls and they continue to compete around the state. They’re all so cute and actually pretty talented, too. (We have trophies to prove it.) I adore this stage of her life. 4 ½ years old already! We have so much fun together.

Gene is still traveling with the jewelry and has added some new lines that we’re really excited about. Its hard having him out of town so much and we miss him a lot but he makes up for it at “gift giving” time. He knows how to treat his girls. (I mean, that’s Elise and me.)

For me, I’ve been doing a lot of sewing and crafting and we all know how addicting that can be. Hope all of you have a great Christmas and a beautiful New Year. I must close as my baby is playing the lead angel in her school’s Christmas program tonight. (Yes, I said ‘lead angel.) We are so proud of her and must get ready.
Lots of Love, from the Lamberts
Mary Beth, Gene and Elise

From Kathleen:
Once again, I’ll try and reflect on the year behind and see what I can remember. Here goes:

Bret and Jake showed hogs at the Pasco County Fair in February again this year. They were forced to show their alternate pigs this year, so the pigs did not place quite as well as we would have liked. They both placed second in their divisions in Showmanship however. Since Showmanship is the real accomplishment for the child, you can imagine we were all quite proud. Bret had to use his State Fair pig to show for the county, so the State Fair was out. He is raising a steer this year which takes up a lot of time, so again State Fair is out. His steer is a black Angus named Duke. He’s super friendly and Bret has become his best buddy. He spends 30-45 minutes a day with him getting him ready for February. Jake is again raising pigs. He has two pigs. One named Boo and one named Dora. (For those of you with children, these come from the Monster’s, Inc. movie and Dora the Explorer…Shelbie named them) Shelbie is very jealous, even at 3, to watch her brothers with their animals. So, we will be debuting the youngest Denney at the Dairy Heifer show in February 2003. Anyone available is welcome to come watch Shelbie keeping up the Barthle tradition with dairy cows.

Bret also participated in a little different 4-H program this year. He raised a pig through the summer. He then took it to Gainesville, to the University of Florida, to harvest the meat himself. About a month later, he and the three other county participants smoked their own bacon and sausage. A few weeks later he went back up to Gainesville to give a 10-minute illustrated talk about a topic in the pork industry in front of a panel of judges. The pig carcass, the smoked meat, and the speech all received a grade. Bret was ecstatic, as were his proud parents, to win Grand Champion for the whole state of Florida. One of the judges even commented how impressed he was with the skills of Bret, a junior exhibitor, who beat out experienced high school age young men and women. Jake has become an avid golfer. He played on the St. Anthony School golf team this year and did quite well. He plans to give Tiger a run for his money.

Since we have had a slow year at the Farm Basket, the exotic vacations to Hawaii had to be put on the back burner. Duane did enjoy and successful Dolphin fishing trip with several friends in the Keys and I went to the Georgia Mountain Fair and for a relaxing mini-vacation to Hiawassee, Ga. with a friend and the kids. We will be all heading to Islamorada, in the Keys, shortly after Christmas. We are really looking forward to some family R&R. We did finally manage to finish out our rec room above our carport this year. After being in the house for three years, I guess it was time. The boys enjoy using it to get away from it all and play some pool or foosball and Duane has invited some friends and family over for a little competitive game of poker complete with cigars!

I guess that does it for this year. I’m sure something else happened in 2002, but right now I can’t think of it. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for a great 2003!

Love to everyone,

Duane, Kathleen, Bret, Jake, and Shelbie
PS: A special voice mail from Duane (12-16-02) Kathleen is so busy and I don’t know how she gets it all done! She works at the store, takes care of me, the kids, the house and still finds time to work at the Church putting on the children’s Christmas Play. Duane said, “You know how I feel about these computers and all, about writing stuff”, so he asked if I could add this special deal to their part of the newsletter. He said, “When I come home from work, a typical, just like now, about dark, I come home, suppers on the table, we eat at the dinner table, there is a fire in the fireplace, the kids are clean”. “Just wanted to write something special about Kathleen cause I sure don’t know how to email nobody anything”. “So I just want to let Kathleen know what a good job I think she does cause she will not toot her own horn, and I sure would like her horn tooted”. “So I would like to toot it for her, you do a great job…..Thanks”.

From Joan:
Hey Everyone,

Hope everyone is well. Not much news with me. The years just roll on by and everything just seems the same. I am still working at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, still have the same address and phone number. The only thing that seems to change is the number of grandbabies I have. Last March brought our latest edition from Sam and Carlene, Andy Tyler of Mulberry. He sure is cute. So I now have 7 granddaughters and 7 grandsons. Hummmmm...I have 7 children, wonder what is with all those 7s.

Sorry I missed the reunion this year. But it sure was nice when Ralph and Paula came to visit and brought Dan & Barbara and part of their gang.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Love, Joan

From Lisa and Alan:

Hello to everyone. It is really starting to get scary how fast the years go by. Alan’s job still takes him to St Louis. Last summer American Airlines announced another 550 pilot layoffs and then recently another 75 to all be in effect by March 2003. Alan has not been affected directly but almost every copilot he has flown with is losing their job with maybe a couple of exceptions. That has been tough and flight attendants with as many as 18 years with TWA are losing their jobs. The most discouraging part is that all of these recent layoffs have come solely from ex-TWA employees as they were stapled to the bottom of Americans seniority list. Alan tries to keep a positive attitude but it is difficult with so many losing their jobs.

I’m really the same, still guarding and teaching swim lessons a couple hours a week. Mostly I drive kids all over creation. A couple of months ago I thought someone was playing a very bad joke on me. I got an invitation to my 25 year graduation reunion. That is not possible is it? Cinda…wasn’t it just a few days ago I was getting married and you were going to or coming from your 20 year reunion? Seems that way to me! Scary!!

Becca has become a freshman in high school. Unreal! She seems to like it and is doing very well. She really likes the band, probably even more so now that she has been introduced to half time shows at the football games. She was very nervous about having to audition for her chair in band (she gets that from me). Although I’m terrible under pressure she must do alright, because she got 2nd clarinet 3rd chair, which was the highest placement of a freshman clarinetist. She was very pleased and we are proud of course. I am just really glad that she has found something that she enjoys so much. We were advised last year that we should seriously consider getting her a tutor, as she shows exceptional musical potential, which we did last summer. Now that she is fourteen she is much more social and keeps us going all the time. How many parties are too many?

Katie started kindergarten this year and she loves it. She is a December baby and is among the oldest in her class, she was more than ready to start. She added gymnastics to her repertoire of activities; namely swimming and dancing, and she really likes it a lot. I think if she was allowed to do one, gymnastics would win out. On another note, Katie has some feet problems. Apparently she walks on the inside of her feet and her legs turn more readily to the inside than they should. She is now wearing corrective shoes, and the doctor has recommended a very minor surgery that would help stabilize her feet. This would be especially helpful as she grows and the pressure on her feet increases. The surgery would mean very limited activity for 6 months. Certainly we would appreciate any prayers in this regard.

We all had a wonderful time at the family reunion; it was great to see everyone and to be able to visit. Our love to all, God bless you each and every one, and have a wonderful holiday.

Love,
Lisa, Alan, Becca & Katie

From Teresa:
Happy Holidays to All,

This has been a very long year that just flew by. How can a year seem to drag on and on, and yet fly by at the same time? It started with me having my first surgery for scalp reconstruction on January 31, followed by five months of follow-up medical procedures and the second surgery on July 10. (That was probably the draggy part of the year.) Those two went so well I decided to have another on October 23 just for the fun of it (haha). I still have some skin graft left to excise, but it is getting smaller. February is the target date for the next surgery. In the meanwhile, between all that fun, I continued my two part-time jobs as well as doing some odd jobs here and there. I actually spent 32 days taking care of 13 animals and several plants for two different families. (That was probably part of the fly-by part.) I also started a job at the restaurant where Caleb works.

I'm the "take-out" girl, slash expeditor, slash hostess, slash soon-to-be cashier. It's an evening job on the weekend so I can still have my weekdays to run the house, the kids, and myself ragged.

Jessica graduated High School as Salutatorian and completed her first year of College in May. She earned the full Bright Futures scholarship which will be a big help with her future education. It gives her three years to start using it, and five years to finish once she starts. Since she already finished one year, she took this first term off, and will begin again in January. She also started part time at the restaurant, so now it's a family affair. Dried florals seem to be her knack and she has kept busy creating gorgeous wreaths, teardrop swags, centerpieces, etc. Her fall collection was only barely outdone by her Christmas line. You should see the variety of styles, including sparkling white or gold sleigh centerpieces, wreaths with blue, silver and plum or all white on an evergreen background. She definitely has an eye for color and style and keeps our house beautiful with her talent. She is very precious and we are very proud of her.

Caleb is busy with school and work. He is also in a bowling league Saturday mornings. Last year he purchased a deer target and has been "practicing up" for this year's Christmas visit with Dad. They will be hunting with their compound bows. Glenn has already bagged several this season, and Caleb is chomping at the bit to catch up. He and Jessica drove to Georgia to see Dad for a few days in November. They helped Glenn move and got in some hunting, but Caleb had no luck. I'm hoping with all my heart he will be successful this trip. Between helping Mom (Joan) by doing some yard work, helping with all the handyman chores around here, working at the restaurant, taking piano, and all the other myriad activities he's occupied with, Caleb manages to keep us laughing. His sense of humor is so much like my father's that it's uncanny. He has that self-depreciating quality that makes us laugh and endears himself to us. The Lord has been good to us this year. We hope He has blessed each of you, and will continue to do so by giving you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Love,
Teresa, Jessica and Caleb

From Mike:
Season’s Greetings!

Last May I was surprised when Sandra gave me a big secret 40th birthday party. About 50 of us went on an all night gambling cruise. Everyone had a blast!

We and Lily had a freak accident with our favorite Honda Accord. Another guy slammed into us and totaled our car. Thank God, no one was hurt at all. We bought a 2003 Accord and we love it very much.

I still continue to work at Holsum Baking Company and have been there for 12 years now. Sandra is still working at the Post Office and has been helping to deliver tons of letters for 14 years. Jennifer went to summer camp this year. She is enrolled in a Christian private school. She loves her school and uniform. Lily had her first birthday at County Park. Many of my friends showed up with balloons and gifts.

We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love,
Mike, Sandra, Jennifer and Lily

From Melinda and Jimmy:
Hello Everyone!
This year has been busy for us!

Our son Warren is 9 years old and is in 4th grade with two teachers (AM teacher and PM teacher). He is doing well in school. Last February he joined minor/major baseball, he played the left field position until the end of the season. One of the players had a team party at their home. His father is the general manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays professional baseball team. Warren had knee surgery to remove some meniscus, it was an enlarged meniscus from birth. Before surgery he complained about his knee for more than one year. Finally they found out that he had a torn and enlarged meniscus. After surgery the Dr. told Warren no playing in school P.E., baseball, football and no jumping for 8 weeks. He was frustrated because he wanted to play so badly. He will also have surgery to put tubes in his ears this December. This will be his 4th time since he was 5 years old. He cannot hear well because of fluid in both his ears.

We went to Atlanta to surprise my best friend Krista who became 40 years old last April. Her family had the party for her. I kept in touch with Krista's mother for three months before the party. Krista was very surprised that we were there to celebrate. We hadn't seen her for two years. It was a wonderful time when we went to visit the Coca-Cola Museum. It was so beautiful and history about Coca-Cola was very interesting. We had a good time there.

We went to see Mike and his family on Memorial Day Weekend. We joined Mike and Sandra on a cruise for Mike's 40th birthday. There were some deaf people who celebrated also. We had a good time and enjoyed gambling. Mike won some money but not me! (Why does he always win? Year after year, win, wiN, wIN, WIN WIN.....IT''S NOT FAIR!) This was my first experience to go on a cruise and gamble, too. We had a good time. We also came to see Mike and his family on September 14th weekend. We celebrated Lily's first birthday with a party. We had a good time. Their first daughter Jennifer was so sick during the party. Poor Jennifer!

We went to Gatlinburg, TN on Independence Day weekend. Our friend was married in a wedding chapel and the weather was hot. We stopped by to see the cabin where we had our honeymoon. It has changed a lot in 13 years since our honeymoon. We went to Smokey Mountain National Park and it is a beautiful place. There was cool weather on top of the mountains.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We love you all!
Melinda, Jimmy and Warren

From Bonnie and Michael:

Well, the year started with Michael breaking Shugar in January. She is our two year old mare horse. Then the customer that Mike bought Shugar from gave us the Mustang daddy "Rambo", a 6 year old wild stallion. Samson & Mike are still doing the Royal Ranger campout one weekend a month. The Family went Camping in May and found $7.25 in treasure hunting with a metal detector. Samson caught his first Large Mouth Bass. Rachael and Samson went to North Carolina for three weeks to Mike's brothers. While they were gone we put in an above ground 24 foot pool. Mike says he will not put in another buried one like that again, too much dirt to move. The kids were shocked when they got back from North Carolina. We didn't have our pool two months when one of our cows jumped in the pool and couldn't get out. We took another trip to Itchatucknee springs tubing and stopped on the way back at Dudley farm, which is an 1880 working farm (cool farm). Next exploration was to Epcot and the kids both seemed to enjoy it.

Mike took Samson on his first deer hunting trip. They scouted the property out the first weekend and saw 30 hogs, 40 turkeys, and two deer. Mike went back that Monday and put up a feeder. Mike and Samson went back that Friday and Samson learned a lot of patience, and that is when they got the Four point Buck. At about 150 lbs it was a rather large deer for Florida. p.s. he had 20 pounds of acorns with him. Michael took our bull to the market and bought a beefmaster bull. He steered our bull calf and we traded it for a Limousine bull. We have 14 barred rocks and 10 Rhode Islands. We planted a fall garden this year and it seems to be doing well. God has blessed us and we give him all the praise. ST John 15:7 "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." " DON"T LIMIT GOD " " UNLEASH HIM "

Get it right "America,,, Bless God"

From Sam and Carlene:
Hello everyone

Our big news this year is little Andy Tyler Barthle, born @ 5:55 pm on March 1st. The Lord has blessed us so much, we are so happy to have another boy. Andy keeps us plenty busy, he also keeps our hearts full of joy. He is officially the cutest baby on the planet (some parental bias).

Kyle has been so helpful with Andy. He is a great older brother. He is also a wonderful oldest son. I seem to have a problem with their names. Apparently to my brain the name Andy and the name Kyle are completely interchangeable. Also having two sons with the same name is acceptable to my brain. Come to think of it, my mom's brain seemed to think that the names Sam and Fred were also interchangeable. Hhmm I wonder what that means.

Carlene's office has moved causing her commute time to increase, from 5 minutes one way to about 45 minutes, ouch. When she gets home, Andy, who up until then was daddy's boy, immediately becomes mommy's boy. Hhmm I wonder what that means.

Sam ( that's me ) well my job is the same, my name is the same, my address is the same, but my heart, now that is changing. The Lord continues to reveal more of Himself, which really shows me who I am, and how much I ( we all ) need Him. Thank God for His grace. He loves us so much and wants the very best ( His best ) for us. May he keep all of you, and draw all of us ever closer to Himself.
God bless all of you
Love Andy, Kyle, Carlene and Sam

From Fred and Janet:
Hi everyone.

Time has come again to tell you all about our year. Well, that just about sums it up!! Talk to you next year. (just kidding) I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. Everyone here is doing well. Janet is working as a receptionist at Citrus Regional Blood Center here in Lakeland. She likes it real well. She is working part time during the morning and early afternoon, which works great while the kids are in school. (except for Kevin) he won't start school till next year, but Janet's girlfriend keeps him for a few hours here and there. Kenny is in the fourth grade and doing very well. He still hasn't missed a day since he started kindergarten. We are very proud of him. He is in chess club and chorus at school and loves to hang out in the library at school. ( me doesn’t know where he get that?) Jenna is in the first grade and also hasn't missed a day. She is just a doll, she puts on 10 different outfits a day. Drives her mother crazy. Kevin is growing like a weed and can't wait to start school. Hope he still feels that way next year. I myself am working for the City Of Lakeland in water distribution as a water meter repairer. I like it very well and the schedule can't be beat. If the banks are closed then I'm off. I couldn't ask for a better deal than that. We all enjoyed the reunion in July. What a blast. Looking forward to the next one.

Love you all. From all of Fred's family.

From Mike:
Once again, we have had a busy and memorable year.

This is the year that Sarah will remember for her graduation. Long ago, the "Class of 2002" was a phrase about the distant future, and it sounded so far away. And then, suddenly, it's history. Ralph and Paula were able to join us for Sarah's graduation in June. It was a great family event, and we were glad they could join us.

After a lot of consideration, Sarah chose to attend Tulane University in New Orleans, and we made the trip to move her in late August. In addition to her studies, she has joined the crew team, and has had the chance to travel to a couple of fall regattas. The team's busy schedule is in the spring. She has also gotten a chance to learn all about the Crescent City - particularly hurricanes! During one evacuation, she also learned about the joys of traveling through the Atlanta airport at night. Thanks to Cinda, she did not have to sleep in the airport when her flight to Norfolk was cancelled.

Caroline, aka "Class of 2007", has had a year to remember as well. In addition to excelling in her school work (first place in the science fair, once again while hosting the "greats"- great aunt Paula, and great uncle Ralph!), she has taken up field hockey, and was able to get a lot of playing time in this fall with the Warwick Junior Varsity. She has really done well in the indoor leagues, becoming one of her team's most important playmakers and scorers.

This fall, Caroline's piano teacher of several years has decided to retire, so Caroline has continued her hard work with a new teacher. Filling out her busy schedule is her participation in the band. Whew! How did we do this when Sarah was here?

In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, Dad joined the Church Triumphant in August. While sad at his loss, we are happy that he and Mom are back in the boat together.

Nancy and I have continued in our work at the preschool and the shipyard respectively. We are sure that the new year will bring new adventures and challenges. All of us here wish each of you a very happy and holy holiday season!
Mike and Nancy, Sarah and Caroline

From Bernie, Jennifer:
Greetings from Suwanee. Thanks again to Dan for putting this together. Every time we sit down to write this letter, the year seems like a blur. But parsing through it, pulling out special memories and events brings them back. Words on the page cannot do them justice. But we try anyway.

Nathaniel started 1st grade this fall. He and Matthew, 4th grade now, still take that 5 minute walk to school each morning. Jennifer gets them there in the morning since I am at work by 5:30 a.m. on most days.

The boys are both in Cub Scouts now. Matthew earned his Bear Cub badge this spring and is a Webelo. Nathaniel started as a Tiger Cub this fall. In October we all went on a family camping weekend to Camp Rainey Mountain in North Georgia. The leaves had just turned and the scenery was beautiful. The boys each earned BB Gun and Archery belt loops. A great time was had by all.

We were fortunate to make the trip down in July for the Barthle Family reunion. Thanks to Monica and Herman for making their facilities available. In addition to the big show, we went out to Clearwater Beach with Brian and his family (a semi-tradition now). Little did we know that it would be our last trip to visit Dad.

A special thanks for all the thoughts and prayers as we said good-bye to Dad. As much as we miss him, we know he is with Mom again and they are causing trouble wherever they go.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

-- Bernie, Jennifer, Matthew & Nathaniel

From Debbie:
Seasons Greetings from Tim, Debbie and Nicholas Petters

Stop the ride, we want to get off! What a year its been. Thanks to the endless devotion and support of Ralph and Paula, for their 5 continuous weekends of painting, we were able to move into our new home on March 21. We could never have gotten in that soon without their help. One week later we christened our home by celebrating Easter with Debbie’s mom, Aunt Tootsie & Uncle Eddie, Uncle Joey, Lynne, Billy & Timmy, Tina, Charlie & Alex, Pat & Jim, Stella, and Ralph & Paula. It was wonderful to visit with everyone and we hope they all come back soon.

In late April, Tim received the news that 150 employees from his building were being laid off from Verizon as part of a “reduction in force” due to a past merger. Unfortunately he was among the 150, and little did we know, the next 6 months would be filled with uncertainty. Tim attended Microsoft boot camp (yes boot camp, I couldn’t possibly make that up) and received his MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) and MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) certifications. He became super dad and stayed at home with Nicholas for 6 months while I returned to work part time at the child care center. Looking back, it’s easy to see the blessing Tim and Nicholas received by being able to spend that time together. It’s a gift that we would have never thought to ask for. That being said, “Thank God” Tim returned to work in mid-November and I once again became a stay at home mom. Tim is now working for SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) as a Network Engineer out at MacDill Airforce Base. He is really enjoying the work and is looking forward to the challenges this new position may bring. As for me, it doesn’t get any better than staying home with Nicholas. He is an amazing little boy - from his never ending smile to his whole hearted laugh, life with Nicholas is a complete joy. All in all, we are all happier now!!!

In June we attended Buccaneer Fan Fest and Nicholas received autographs and pictures of John Lynch, Cozy Coleman and Anthony (Booger) McFarland. Nicholas is really enjoying the games this year. We’ve upgraded our seats and the crowd around us is really wonderful, especially to Nicholas. Nicholas also had his first swimming lessons this summer. He loves the water and we are looking forward to Phase II lessons next season. In August, Nicholas turned one and we are very appreciative to Ralph & Paula, Lucy & Gerry, and Roberta for helping us to celebrate this day.

Of course, our visit list would not be complete without mentioning the wonderful memories from this years family reunion. We really enjoyed seeing everyone and especially enjoyed the time spent with Brian & Vicki (and the kids) and Bernie & Jennifer (and the kids) following the reunion. Unfortunately, less than two months later, Clem passed away and another “immediate family” reunion took place. While it was nice to see everyone, we were very saddened by the circumstances. We would like to once again thank everyone for their heartfelt sympathy and support during this time. Nicholas never got to know his grandfather, but we are hopeful that photographs and stories that we tell will help create an image he can be proud of.

As always, thank you for your support and love throughout the year. We continue to pray for the victims and families affected by September 11.

Love, Tim, Debbie and Nicholas

From Susie:
Happy holidays from the Davidson’s!

Our life is always an adventure and this year has certainly been a reflection of that! Of course, not all adventures are wonderful, and we had our share of tough ones this year. However, every tough adventure builds character... or something like that. We will miss Dad (Pop-Pop) very much, but take great comfort in our faith! We REALLY want to thank you all for your fabulous support during our time of need. Jennifer, Michael and I are continually reminded how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family! And, save the circumstance, it was extra special to be able to see and spend time with everyone! Dad would often tell us to focus on the good times, so, I’ll share those with you now. We started our year in Illinois, Michael had received a snowboard from Santa, so, of course, we had a mild winter. Although it was amazing how quickly that board would go down the mud bank... Michael is never to be daunted, hmmm, I think I am just lucky he doesn’t have a brother named Bernie, I could be in lots of trouble! Both he and Jennifer played indoor hockey again this year, but my work schedule kept me from watching too many games. They tell me they were the best on their teams. In March, I was finally able to take some leave, so we packed up and headed to Disney World with Joey and his daughter Christina, and then we took the Disney Cruise. I highly recommend it, what a FABULOUS trip. We splurged and took an option to swim with the dolphins in the Bahamas! We were able to swim with two of the three stars from the movie Flipper, their names were “Jake” and “The Fat Man” Really a vacation we will NEVER forget! We returned in time for Michael to make his First Communion. The kids played baseball and softball, both had a great time! We made a quick trip up to Chicago for Mother’s Day weekend and were able to stay at the Palmer House. And yes, it’s a really is a good hotel, well worth the recommendation from folks of River City, Iowa... The end of school meant time for a move. In July, after four wonderful years at an Air Force Bases, we finally returned to an Army Post, not just any Post, but the largest one in the Army. This place hosts 37,000(+) soldiers, and it is huge! I am finally, after 6 months, finding my way around without getting lost. I was selected for Battalion Command, which I will take next June 13th. I am really excited, it is what all officers hope to achieve in the Army and only about 10% make. Of course, life here is busier than ever, and I love it, up in the morning running 5 miles at 0630 and then to work at 9 until at least 1800 (6 p.m.). The kids miss having me around as much as I have been but have made lots of new friends and are really settling in well. It was great seeing Uncle Dan as he drove through, but next time we hope he stays a little while! We went to Austin and ran the ‘Race for the Cure 5K’ the first week of November and Jennifer is enjoying being close enough to attend the ballet at UT with some friends. She is going to the Nutcracker in two weeks, she saw Giselle in October. We hope to get into sports again in the spring, we always have to get settled at a new place before we can start. Jennifer is in Choir at school and at church and has many holiday performances scheduled over the next few weeks. And Michael is in a music special for his class at school. I am happy that she and Michale love music as they do. And I guess that reminds me of the only wish we have for each and everyone of you this holiday season and throughout 2003: “May you always have a song in your heart, reflected by a smile on your face!” ‘Joy to The World’ is a great place to start! Just start singing it out loud and you can’t help but smile. Have a wonderful holiday season and blessed 2003!!

We love you all!
Susie, Jennifer and Michael

From Dean & Anne:
Dear Family and Friends,

It’s hard to believe yet another year is almost gone. Seems that time goes by very quickly now that there are two children in the house!

Carrie is now 13 months old. She grows by leaps and bounds. She took her first steps on her birthday and is now toddling around the house. She is a very curious child and gets into almost everything within her reach.

Tony, now 5, is in his second year of preschool. He really matured over the summer. He still plays with trains and has a newfound love - LEGO.

Anne continues to spend her time taking care of the kids, Dean and the house. In addition, she is treasurer at Tony’s preschool so she spends some extra time ‘number crunching’ there.

Dean is still working on designing jet engines and occasionally traveling to Huntsville, Alabama and Newport News, Virginia. When he’s not doing NASA work, he and Tony attend train shows and work on the model railroad in the basement.

As you know, Dean’s dad passed away this August. It was rather unexpected, but now Clem and Joan are together again and are finally able to enjoy their retirement together. Thanks to everyone for your help during these times. Your support has been a true blessing!

Once again we vacationed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We did get to spend some time on the beach despite Tropical Storm Gustav. What a feet of nature to witness! Lots of wind and sand flying everywhere along with the rain. Fortunately, the worst of it lasted only a day so we did get to see the area lighthouses.

We wish you all the joys of the holiday. May Christ’s peace be with now and throughout the New Year!

Love,
Dean, Anne, Tony and Carrie

From Brian & Vicki:
A warm greeting from cold Ohio!

Brian spent most of this year as the Military Personnel Flight Commander at Wright-Patterson AFB. In February, he was able to finally make the Florida trip that was cancelled by the events of 9-11. He was able to surprise his dad on their birthday, 7 Feb. Dad was 65 and Brian was 35. The look of surprise and shock was worth all the wait. While Brian was there Dad got a little better, but alas it would not last. In May, we visited Dean in Cleveland and took the boys to the Six Flags there.

In June we took a trip to attend the Couple to Couple League convention in Shawnee, OK, visiting Susie and Vicki's parents on the way. Also during that trip, we went to the Barthle Family reunion. A great time was had by all.

Late in July, Brian found out the Air Force would deploy him to the Gulf in August. Of course, it turned out to be the Gulf of Mexico, as he went to Tyndall AFB in Panama City. While he was there, he participated in Operation NOBLE EAGLE, the air component of homeland defense. He was responsible for accounting for the personnel who were flying the missions and looking at the scopes. This helps keep the bad guys from doing any more damage to the U.S. About a week after he arrived in Florida, we got the call that his Father had died. Since he was in Florida already and had driven his new (to him) Suburban, he was able to go the funeral and help Tim start with the estate process. God's hand in this was very apparent. Thanks to everyone for their support in this time of loss. After his deployment was over, he met Vicki and the boys at her parents' house in Baton Rouge. There we went to the Ole Miss - LSU game and enjoyed a great Thanksgiving.

Vicki continues to teach the boys and sing in the church choir. John finished his Webelos Scout requirements and was awarded the "Arrow of Light" award. Of course, this means that he also started Boy Scouts. He has really enjoyed the new challenges that has brought. (Brian enjoys camping with the Boy Scouts too--they have to do all the work!) He quickly finished his Scout and Tenderfoot requirements and has earned his Basketry merit badge. He and Ben played Little League Baseball this summer, and both improved a great deal.

Ben finished up his Cub Scout Bear requirements and started his Webelos trek. While we were on our summer trip, he acted as the navigator so he could get his Traveler pin. He did a great job. He was also awarded the World Conservation badge. He is very interested in falcons and hawks, and talks about them all the time. He has been taking guitar lessons since January, and is doing well.

Leo is into everything and is an expert in Legos. In fact, he help Brian win $1 off an uncle who doubted his ability. He is picking out some words all by himself, which means he will be reading very soon. He loves Star Wars Episode II and playing Triple Play on the computer. He is one of the only five year olds we know that can play poker. He played T-ball for the first time this year, and loved it.

Henry is 2 1/2 and is speaking better every day. He loves Bob the Builder and cutting out shapes with Play-Do. Of course, he wants to do everything the big boys do, which makes it hard for Vicki. After Leo, Henry will be the next card shark in the family, playing "Taizy" Eights and Skipbo.

All the boys are hoping for a lot more snow this winter. Mom and Dad are NOT.

We so enjoyed seeing all of you at the reunion, and you have our fondest wishes for a Holy, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Brian & Vicki, John, Ben, Leo & Henry

From Connie & Thom:
Greetings

During the early part of January, I was diagnosed with a malfunctioning gall bladder, which needed to be removed, this was done on Feb. 28th, Kathy and Paula took me to the hospital, at MacDill for the procedure, I was sent home late that afternoon. To recover, then on Wednesday of the following week the doctor called me to let me know, there was also a problem in my stomach, H-Pylori so they gave me a 14-day treatment of anti-bodies. After this treatment was complete, I was feeling much better and able to enjoy good food again. There were so many foods I was avoiding due to feeling so badly after eating.

I am still working part time, mostly at my house, it is great not having to get up and dressed to leave the house every day. Now when I have to go out, it is at my leisure.

Then the family reunion in July, it is so great to get together with all the family, and see people we haven’t seen for a couple of years. Thanks to Monica and Herman for the hospitality for a great day. We are looking forward to the next one.

Late in August, word came to me that Clem had passed away. I miss his calls that update me with the goings on in St. Joe, along with his military stories he was always telling. He was a good traveling companion, we traveled to several places, Cleveland, Virginia, Hawaii, Tennessee, all of these places usually for a special day for one of his children, I want to thank them also for letting me be part of their weddings, promotions, or ceremonies.

October was a birthday month for me. Kathy asked me to go shopping with her on Saturday, the 5th and so I was planning on shopping, and at the last minute she told me her basket order had come in and needed to stop by Melda’s to pick her order up. Well I couldn’t just sit in the car while she picked up her order. I had to at least say “Hello”. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise there was Melda, Cinda, Margie, Monica, and Paula, they had planned a Tea Party with Kathy’s help for me, Jack gave me a queen’s crown, so I was “Queen for the Day”. Now, I can pretend to be Queen any day, I got to take my crown home. After we had our tea, Ralph and Dan came by, then we went to see Aunt Phyl to wish her a “Happy Birthday”. What a complete happy day, I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did. The day was really SPECIAL.

The 16th of October, Joe made it possible for me to do something I had never done before, The company he works for also has a helicopter, so he arranged for me to take a tour of Pasco County. We flew from Brooksville, over to St. Leo and St. Joe the home place. Boy, do things look different from the air. The tour only lasted a little more than a half an hour. This was also a fun time. The aircraft I flew in was a small 2 seater, the pilot and myself, the weather had turned out cool that day, so they put the doors on the aircraft.

Thom discontinued driving over the road in late January, due to a problem with his blood pressure. DOT requires good readings in order to renew his driving status.

He stayed home for a while viewing his options and started working a McDonalds, Wesley Chapel in April. Then he checked into continuing his education, He’s still has a couple years on his Montgomery G I Bill, he can draw upon or loose it. When he was discharged from the Marines, he had ten years to use it or loose it.

He has been attending classes at Pasco Hernando Community College, New Port Richey Weekend classes. So far he has completed English Comp.1, and has two more weeks of Algebra I. Before the semester break at Christmas time. Next semester I am not sure what classes he’ll be signing up for.

We want to wish each and every one a safe holiday season.

Love,
Connie & Thom

From Marie:
Happy Holidays to All:

Well lets see, here we are at this news letter again didn't we just do this a few months ago? These years just seem to fly by so fast.

Well lets start out Tiffany's in the 4th grade and doing good. She seem to like it and of course Luke is in her class. Still saying he's going to throw her off the dock at his grandma's. (Aunt Monica).

Chris is in the 11th grade (where has the time gone?) He is still having all the honor teas and we also got a nice letter saying he is being honored at the Eighteenth Annual Scholars Recognition Ceremony on December 5th. to recognize students who have earned a 3.5 overall average for the school year while enrolled in at least 3 academic courses. I am a very proud Mom.

And then of course we have our bad times too. Joe broke his elbow at work, early in the year and about middle of year I got to go to the Deli to work and then of course I try to slice my finger off took it to the bone and ended up with 9 stitches. And last but not least Chris broke his little toe in two bones it was really nice. And we lost two Cats one has been gone and have no ideal where she went, (no one saw her, and she was 13 yrs old) the one of the newer little ones die and think some one poisoned her as this one person has poisoned the next door 's dog. So we have an ideal who did it.

But other then this not to much has happen to us this.

We send our love and hugs to all.
Marie, Joe, Chris & Tiffany

From Amy:
Happy Holidays from the Joe Carr Family

Hope everyone’s year has been a great one! Can’t believe another year has passed us by. Time just seems to fly by just when you think you are caught up with it! It was great seeing everyone at the family reunion!

Let’s see... Amy is still in the band at Weightman Middle School. They got the opportunity to play with the high school band at their last home football game (What a year Wesley Chapel High had). Nichole started at the new elementary school this year (Wesley Chapel Elementary School). She participates in the chorus, and they have their first concert in a couple of weeks. Baylee is growing like a weed. She starting dance lessons this year, she takes a ballet, jazz and tap combo class. She has her first dance program in a couple of weeks for Christmas. I guess that’s really all the girls have done this year.

Joe is still in the Air Force and working at Kearney Development. He also works sporadically for the VA Hospital in Tampa driving their shuttle bus service. He also made a trip to Seattle, WA for three weeks for his annual tour. As for myself, I’m still with Frost Management going on 15 years. My office is currently located in one of our restaurants and I share a three-room office with five people gets to be quite tight when we are all there. Finally, after 15 years we are building an office. I can’t wait. I will finally get my own office. We finally did some home improvement projects on the house. In the August we put a new metal roof on the house. We had a 30-year-old barrel tile roof. We also remodeled the kitchen. We gained a pet and lost a pet. We had to give Foxy (dog) away to a good home. Joe found a Florida soft shell turtle at work. So we gained Pinocchio (she has a very long nose) We still have the three other turtles (red ear sliders) but they are getting so big we have to let them go soon.

Well that’s it from the Carr Family. Hope everyone new year is a fabulous one! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From Jerry, Kelly:
Well I guess it's that time of year again. I hope all has gone well with everyone. Our family has had a very busy and stressful year. Kelly returned back to work at CIGNA and is feeling better since her accident, she still has no tast or smell and most likely will not get them back, the good thing is her headachs have pretty much gone away. Jerry is still working at Shepperd and they were very understanding and good to him during Kelly's accident. Noah is in the 1st grade and is doing wonderful, he really enjoys school. Jessica is in 3rd grade and is also doing wonderful (she has been blessed with a wonderful teacher). Noah played flag foot ball for the Land O' Lakes Gators and they went undefeated. Jessica cheered for the Land O' Lakes Gators and her squad placed 2nd in the Cheer off and 3rd in the Super Cheer off. Jerry and I didn't want to just sit and watch so he was the assistant coach and I was the team mom for Noahs team, neither one of us knew mutch about cheerleading so we just watched Jessica. We got a new member in our familty, his name is Brutis. Brutis is a mix between a beagle and a dashound, he is such a cute little thing. During all this we have had to deal with the loss of Kelly's Grandmother and Aunt (they passed within a month of each other). We must say even though there was some very sad times we had a wonderful year and we enjoyed our selfs. We hope all of you had a wonderful year and may 2003 be even better. God Bless

Love Jerry, Kelly, Jessica and Noah.

From Kathy:
Hello all;
This year has gone by so quickly. I hope everyone's doing well. Justin is in the 8th grade this year and is going to a new school in Hillsborough County called Liberty Middle. He is doing very well with his grades. We are very proud of him. Hunter is in second grade this year and is doing very well. He started taking piano lessons this year and seems to be a natural. But I guess that is no surprise because we have so many musically talented people in this family. Sierra is growing very quickly. She will be 4yrs old in January. She is still in ballet and tap and really enjoys them. She will be pre-school bound next year. I started school in August. Working full-time and going to school full-time has been trying but I have a wonderful support system that really helps. Kelly takes care of the kids four nights a week and has done a wonderful job keeping the house together so that I could pursue something new. I got braces in October. It takes some getting used to. I want to thank all of you (Melda, Cinda, Margie, Moinca, Paula, Jack, Dan and Ralph) for helping me with the Tea party for mom’s (Connie’s) 60th birthday. It was so much fun and is a great memory for all of us to cherish. 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:

Well, it was a busy year for me and Dan. After living in the motorhome for almost 4 months we moved back into our house in April, when the tenants moved out. We had a lot of work to do in the house. Then Dan headed the motorhome East in late May for his 40th high school reunion that was held in early June. He also had a good time fishing for a while. Evan (Grandson) and I flew into Tampa and Dan picked us up so we could attend the family reunion over the 6th of July weekend. We were excited that Laurie, J.R. and Nick could be there too. Special thanks to Ralph and Paula for the warmth, love and hospitality given to our family during our stay. We enjoyed seeing everyone again though I wished there was more time to visit with everyone.

After the reunion Dan, Evan and I flew back to California. There was another Barthle family reunion in Orange County, CA we attended. This reunion was from Dan’s (& brother/Sisters) Grandfather(John B. Barthle’s) older brother Frank Barthle. Frank Barthle’s descendents from Minnesota, California, Washington and Utah have been having a reunion every two years since the 80’s. Dan had contacted a lady, Elvera Barthle who had moved to Arizona from California. Dan found out about this side of the family through, where else, the internet. When he went through Arizona he stopped by and visited with her before continuing Eastbound. She had given him names of Frank’s family members and how to contact them. It so happened that their family reunion was being held the following weekend from ours, the 13th of July.

Well, Dan stayed in California for almost three weeks before the travel bug hit again and he headed back to Florida for more fishing and visiting with family and friends. (I sure will be glad when I retire so I can join him)!! In the middle of August he drove over to Satellite Beach and picked up Nick(who was visiting his other grandparent). Nick was able to stay with him for about a week. Dan had been fishing over by Disney World, when he got the news that Clem had passed away. He returned to St. Joe for the funeral. After that he flew back to California for two weeks or so after Labor Day holiday

By the middle of September he was back in Florida, he said the fishing was not any good, the fish just stop biting. Then in late Oct we both flew into Atlanta from different directions so we could both fly together to Albany, NY for my 40th year high school reunion (WOW 40 years) and visited with Laurie, J.R. & Nick, and also my family in Albany and Schenectady. When flying back to Atlanta, Cinda was there at the airport and put us up overnight when we changed our flights. (Early Snow in Albany so we left a day early). What an angel! , Thanks again Cinda and Ben for opening your home to us, it was great seeing you and Ben.

After Dan returned back to Florida he stayed until he voted and then with the motorhome headed west, with a stop in Pensacola for a “Blue Angels” reunion with his old Navy buddies. Then on to Lake Charles for a two day stay. Next stop was at Ft. Hood to have lunch with Susie. It took three days before pulling into Ridgecrest. I’m sure glad to have him home for a while!! Me, I’ve been living at work most of the time in between trips and doing some redecorating with the house. I’m looking forward to having a week off at Christmas to relax and do some baking, visit with friends and just rest!

Both Dan and I look forward to the day when I retire and maybe pick up roots and move back to Florida! It’s nice to be around family and living close enough to visit often. It’s nice to have close friends but family we treasure!

We wish all of you a “Very Merry Christmas” and a “Blessed New Year”.

From Laurie:
Hi all,
Here it is Thanksgiving…about the time of year that we get an email from my dad. Yep, I just got it. It is great to read about all the things going on in everyone’s life. It is a great way to stay a little more in touch with everyone so far away. I know I enjoy sharing what we have been up to the past year….

Nick is staying busy with school. He graduated from elementary school in June. He went to summer school for 4 weeks than went to spend the rest of his summer in Florida with his Oma & Opa. He was able to go to the beach most days. He went fishing with his uncles. He also has some new little cousins he got to play with. After the fun of summer was over he started 6th grade, I can’t believe he is in middle school already. He has 9 classes this year. He is taking trombone for band. He does not like it very much; he really wanted to play the flute or the drums. So far this year the school has taken the students to an aquarium and a boat ride down in New York City. In English class they have been reading Harry Potter so when the second movie came out they took the students to see the movie on opening day. Nick has had his first snow day of the year on Thursday, we got around 8 inches or better of snowfall that day. I am afraid we are in for a nasty winter this year. Nick is going to be spending his Christmas this year with his dad at his Oma & Opa’s in Florida.

JR is still working hard at Mediacom. He was promoted to Senior Director of Internet Services this year. He has not traveled as much this year as last year. He only went to Miami, FL (Mediacom Manager’s Conference); Chillicothe, IL; Denver, CO (Cable Labs Conference); Des Moines, IA; New Orleans, MS (National Cable Television Association Conference); Anaheim, CA (Cable Western Show); Gulf Shores, AL; Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, FL; Ridgecrest, CA (visit family at the end of 2 trips.) Wow, he was gone more than I thought! Maybe next year he won’t have to be gone so much. While in Miami at Mediacom’s Managers Conference JR was the recipient of “The Chairman’s Award” granted to one recipient each year by the CEO & Founder of Mediacom Rocco Commisso. Like I said earlier he is working hard. On weekends I keep him busy doing “honey do’s”, which is even harder.

I am still working for Time Warner Cable Advertising Sales. In October we converted to a new trafficking and billing software (Eclipse by CAM Systems.) We worked a lot of overtime for a month before the actual conversion. We had to enter all the information into both systems. The new system has been up and running now for a month now and is working great. I am so glad that is over. CAM Systems had a Dinner Party at The Boat House in Central Park (NY City). I was invited to attend. It was a lot of fun. I was able to meet some of the people I talk with on the phone occasionally. In August, before the conversion, I took a trip by myself to the City. I took the train down, walked from Grand Central to The United Nations, took a bus up to 56th street and met my cousin Rebecca for lunch. We had a short but very nice visit. After lunch I walked through a corner of Central Park, then up to Rockefeller Center and to Times Square, then back to Grand Central. Boy was I exhausted when I got home. I have also enjoyed visiting my Grandmother on several occasions. She lives in Albany. While I visit her I also drop by my Great Aunt Mary’s. While there I found out that one of my cousins had just graduated from Annapolis. His family threw him a graduation party in Albany. Nick and I were able to attend. We met a bunch of my maternal grandmother’s family and friends for the first time. I enjoyed that very much. That was the extent of my traveling.

As a family we have done quite a few things this year. Uncle Ralph and Aunt Paula were in New Jersey visiting some of their friends. We were able to meet them for dinner one night. I think we have seen more family since we have been in New York. It is great! Of course we were able to see even more family at our Family Reunion. It was a lot of fun to see everyone. We enjoyed our visit very much. We went to an Army Football game this year. Army played Southern Miss. (Army lost.) That was the first time we have been to West Point. It is beautiful there. My mom and dad came out in October. Mom had her High School reunion up in Albany. Their visit was a short one but a nice one at that. We were invited this year to see The Macy’s Day Parade. It was an indoor invite with brunch and manicures. It was so neat to see the balloons float by the window. Oh yes, we were on the 3rd floor off Broadway, between 39th and 40th. Finally we are seriously house- hunting. We have seen quite a few but, nothing that has caught our hearts. We are going to take a look at some in Pennsylvania. Maybe next year we will have news of a purchase. JR & I will be spending Christmas this year just the two of us. JR’s family wanted to fly out to spend Christmas with us but it does not look like it is going to work out. We sure miss them very much.

We are thankful for the many blessings we have had throughout the year. We wish everyone the very best Holiday Season. May God bless you now and in the New Year.
Laurie, JR and Nick



From Cinda:
Happy Holidays, everyone!

We hope this season finds you all safe, happy and warm.

I'm writing this on December 1st, and unlike last year, we've finally had some relief to the ongoing (5-year) drought. It almost all came in the last two months, however. Instead of being 12 inches below normal in annual rainfall at this time, we're within a couple of inches of normal! We had the most beautiful red and yellow fall foliage this year in ATL. I think that last minute rainfall really did the trick. Also, unlike last year, we are feeling the COLD! Several weeks with several days in the 20s already. That's enough winter for me.

Ben and I dodged the bullet with the cutbacks at work last year, but are ,once again, going through another round. Remains to be seen if we'll soon be joining the ranks of the unemployed in Atlanta. We have numerous acquaintances who are still looking for technical work since being cut last December.

It was so nice seeing many of you again at the family reunion. The time goes so fast on that day, and it seems there is never enough time to visit with everyone. Many thanks to Monica and Herman for hosting us again. Their location is so perfect!

Ben's younger daughter, Rebecca, has been working for a local newpaper in Jackson, Georgia. She has enjoyed the variety of work involved there. She also still enjoys her photography.

Alexa, his older daughter, graduated in May from the Illinois College of Optometry. She is now doing a year's residency at the Veterans Hospital in Baltimore, while continuing her studies at Johns Hopkins. She and her husband, Chris, have a home in the historic district of Baltimore. We're heading up next weekend for our Christmas visit with them.

Many thanks to Melda and Jack for hosting us on our trips to Florida. Your new home is so beautiful and comfortable. Thanks also for hosting the sister's surprise tea party for Connie's birthday this year. We girls had a wonderful time.

If you have a chance to get away to Georgia, we'd love you to come for a visit.

We wish you a joyous holiday season and a wonderful 2003. God bless you all.

Love, Cinda and Ben

From Melda:
Dear Family,
This was anything but a ho-hum year for us. We have lots of memories this year. Late in 2001 we finished cleaning out Jack's mother's home of 47 years and put it up for sale. We immediately got a contract and it closed in February. Mrs. Higgins continues to live in the independent part of Lake Shore Villas and is doing well.

We put our home up for sale on Bearss Avenue in January and got a contract within three weeks which closed at the end of April. Ground broke on our new home in January and we closed in May. Since then, we have been settling in. We really like our new home and the neighbors (especially our back-door neighbors-Rob and Casey). Finally, we have a life after mowing the grass, making repairs and cleaning house! And we don't miss the busy-ness of Bearss Avenue either.

Jack and I went to NYC in August to see Rebecca and Travis and experience some more of the big city. It is such a fascinating place and we really enjoyed our trip--being tourists, doing a little shopping (at Macy's), dining out (at Gramercy Tavern), taking in a broadway show (Oklahoma) and going to a museum. We also revisited Ground Zero in South Manhattan. The Trues are truly great hosts.

It was good seeing the Petters clan even though the occasion was sad. I'm sure St. Joe is just not the same without Clem. Tim and Debbie were great hosts during the funeral and they have a beautiful son and home.

We've enjoyed the get-togethers this year especially the bi-annual Barthle Family Reunion. Thanks to Monica and Herman we have the best location possible. We appreciate the effort made by so many to come from so far away . . . California, New York, New Hampshire, Georgia, etc., etc. Was great to see you and missed those who were unable to attend. Hope that in 2004 even more of us can be together. It was nice getting acquainted with Aunt Phyl (she's our neighbor in Lutz) and we were saddened by the loss of Aunt Lillian in November. Our prayers go out to Aunt Clara for her recovery.

Several of you have managed to find our new home-hope all of you will stop in when you have a few minutes or a few hours! Please feel free to knock on our door anytime. (Our new address and phone number are in this newsletter.)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!
Love,
Melda and Jack

From Rebecca:

Hope this letter finds everyone well. I can't believe that it is already that time again to submit our entry for the newsletter. The year has flown by. We're continuing to enjoy our exploration of the sights and city life in the Big Apple.

In March, we vacationed in Paris. What a neat city! We had a great time and it was fun to put all those years of French classes to good use. Unfortunately, we didn't get to practice as much as we would have liked because most of the French people responded to us in English. Guess our French needs a lot more work! Perhaps more trips to Paris will be in order...

Several times throughout the year, we visited Florida and North Carolina for some time with our families. It was good to see those of you that were able to attend the reunion in July. Cinda and Ben and my parents visited us for a quick weekend trip at the end of the summer. It sure was nice to see them and show them around town.

For the holidays this year, we're headed off to a week of skiing in Vail, Colorado and then a week of golfing in Palm Springs, California. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love, Rebecca and Travis

From Rob:
It was a very eventful year for Casey and I. Let me give you a brief synopsis of what 2002 had in store for our family. In April, we moved into the new house that we had been building since last November. It is a four bedroom/two bathroom home in a new community just north of Tampa (Lutz). After a month of settling in, May brought some familiar neighbors our way when my mom and dad (and their lawnmower) moved into their new home just two doors down. Our summer was spent working and going to nearby beaches. Unfortunately, it seemed like more work and less beaches. In August, Casey began her new job teaching a class called Communications and coaching JV girls basketball at the Academy of Holy Names. Casey and I celebrated our first anniversary on September 22nd. We are now anxious to spend our first Christmas in our new home. Needless to say, our lights are on the house and our tree is up and decorated. Casey continues to excel with her basketball team as they are currently undefeated (7-0) and have won every game by twenty points or more. My work has been going well. I am responsible for the upcoming First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament which is coming in March to the St. Pete Times Forum (formerly the Ice Palace). I also recently put together and hand delivered the city of Tampa's bid to host both the Men's and Women's Basketball Final Four in 2008, 2009, or 2010. We can't wait to read the update on each of your families. We look forward to seeing all of you soon and we wish you the Happiest of Holidays!
Thanks,
Rob and Casey Higgins

From Monica:
Greetings to all! Hope the season finds each of you well and peace filled!

We started the year deeply involved in Bill's wrestling season at Wesley Chapel. He has worked very hard and earned a chance to compete at State level. He thoroughly enjoyed the competition, met many new friends, and gained a world of experience. In addition to wrestling, Bill also competes on the weight lifting team and plays on the football team. This year (his senior year) he made a touchdown!

Joe worked as an EMT Tech in the emergency room at University Community Hospital for most of the year, then he changed jobs and started working in the emergency room at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Sarasota. He rented a house a few minutes from the hospital and close to New College where several of his friends are attending.

Herman has kept busy pushing out orange trees (dying from a disease), and replanting new trees. He didn't go hunting in Colorado this year, so it's been pretty much work, work and more work. He does enjoy watching sports on TV and has enjoyed spending time with the Grandchildren.

Work and household chores continue to take time away from quilting, but I manage to get in a little any way. I've even taken a couple of classes this year and learned a lot. Margie and I took a Stained Glass Quilts class, I took a machine quilting class, and Natalie and I took a bindings class. I continue to enjoy quilting more than I could ever have imagined. Thanks again Melda for starting this creative expression of love.

One of our brightest events of the year was definitely the Family Reunion! We thoroughly enjoy seeing everyone, catching up on who's doing what and being amazed at how much the kids have grown! What a wonderful family we have. We love you all!

To continue this thought, I appreciate Dan's yearly gift to all of us, putting together this Christmas newsletter, the calendar, the who's who and who's where. I can only imagine the time it takes to put this all together. Dan, thank you very much for helping us stay in touch!

May your Christmas be bright and your New Year filled with many blessings!
Love,
Herman, Monica, Joe and Bill

From Shelley:
Hey Everyone...
Another year already! It's been eventful that's for sure.

December 29th, 2001, Hunter turned one. He's such the little ham. January brought the return to the post holiday grind, the end of hunting season, Darrell's birthday and little league tryouts. I got my first deer, a mature doe. I was thrilled! I dropped her right where she stood, Darrell couldn't believe it. Luke started little league late January early February as catcher, a position he both loves and is great at. I left University Community Hospital in January to hopefully find a day position, 15 hour shifts at night and Hunter during the day was kill'n me. February brought Mandi's birthday, the Daytona 500 and more job hunting for me. As NASCAR fans it was a huge thrill to experience our first live track race. Darrell and I went with his sister Deanna and a friend Dale. Daytona was huge, loud, and the pure energy of the track is something you just can't discribe. It was an HUGE adrenaline rush just being there. Then in March, Mom got sick and wound up in the hospital. She was evaluated and treated by Dr. A. Hashmi whom I had worked with in the past at East Pasco Medical Center. When we went in for Mom's follow up office visit I was invited to interview for a position at Point of Care Clinics. After an interview by the "firing squad" the ten board members of P.O.C.C. I was hired on the spot. Everything rolled into a predictable pattern pretty fast. Luke turned 10, his first double digit birthday on May 5th. Then on June 11th, one year to the day after Darrell adopted Luke, we got a call that Darrell Senior had been found dead at home from massive heart attack. Even though Darrell's Dad had been sick for a long time you never really believe that someone will die at 45 years old. The next few weeks lasted forever and were gone in a blink. We spent a lot of time at Darrell's Mom's with her and Deanna, our friend Matt and his children, and another friend Dale and his son Jeremy. We went to the Pepsi 400 at Daytona over the fourth of July weekend. It was a night race and a totally different experience than the 500 in February. We had a good time but if we go again will plan a little differently. July also brought Deanna's first birthday without her Dad and lots of tears. August and September brought back to school and are simply a blurr. For Halloween we had a cowboy and an Indian. More appropriate costumes couldn't be found for those two. In November, we took our first ever family vacation. We made our first trip to Mandi's house in North Carolina. Then onto the hunting camp in north Florida for a few days. We loved Mandi's it's beautiful, quiet (or it was before we got there), and private but not isolated. We loved it so much we thought about moving. But we quickly realized that all the bills, kids, and problems would just get packed up along with everything else and then we would still have those and have to start over at the same time. I did get my first buck this year. He was a little three point, but I figure you have to start somewhere and I was proud of him even if the guys giggled. Darrell was proud that I cleaned and skinned my own deer and the guys stopped giggling, they couldn't believe it, I just grinned. Now we are just trying to get into the swing of Christmas. We have been watching family videos of Christmas' past and realizing all over again how big a hole that big man left in all our lives. Hunter will be two on December 29th and asks every time we go into Vicki's wheres Grandpa, he checks the recliner, the bedroom, and the bathroom for him to this day. Everyone was upset that he wouldn't get to know his Granddad now that he's gone, I think he just has a huge angel. May everyone understand how precious everyday is and how all the annoying little things become things to treasure when your loved one is no longer here. Keep safe and healthy until next year, all our love and continued prayers.
Darrell, Shelley, Luke & Hunter Oliver.

From Natalie:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! I am so happy this year is almost over. I don’t think that I have EVER had as much stuff happen in one year. Let's see where to start. Well, in January, Chris and I took Tyler to school one morning and by the time we got back home I had an extremely bad pain in my left side. I thought that if I went and sat in a hot bath it would go away. After being there for about 2.2 seconds I realized there was SOMETHING WRONG!! So we called Dr. McBath and he told us to come right in. We got there and he took me right in the room, took one look at me and told Chris to take me to the E.R. and he would call and tell them I was coming. It turned out to be kidney stones that got stuck and caused my right kidney to shut down. After 5 days in the hospital I begged them to let me go home. They didn’t like it but said that if I took medicine and called them they would let me go. So they sent me home with Percocet 800mg. That is some good stuff. So then in March after two years of pleading with Chris to change some of his habits I finally got tired of it and asked him to leave. He came back at the beginning of May and said that he wanted the house. At that point I didn’t care I just knew that we couldn’t live in the same house anymore. So I took the kids and moved back to moms. Now Chris spends more time with the kids and is really proving to be the dad I knew he could be. He gets the kids every 3 days. (I have them 3 days, then he gets them 3) That’s the only way it will work with his hours at work. It works for us and the kids are a lot happier. Chris and I can talk and not kill each other now. In July I ran into a guy that I have known for about 10 years. He graduated with Shelley. We started talking and eventually went to dinner and no one has been able to get us apart since. His name is Jon Parsons. He took me to Georgia several times this year to his hunting camp. Get this, he even taught me how to use a climber (tree stand) so I could go with him. I just sit up in the tree and take the camcorder. The first time I saw a deer walk right under me I about had a heart attack. Now he’s working on teaching me how to play golf. He loves to play and even takes Tyler on trips just the two of them. We got Tyler junior clubs for Christmas. So then in August I started school again. I am going for Cosmetology. I am in school from 10:45-5:00 every day. It should take a year to finish as long as nothing else happens to me….wait there’s more. I also started working at Sacred Heart Child Care Center in the morning. So some mornings I could work from 6:30-12:00 then off to class from 12:20-5:00. I am dragging by the end of those days. Then at the end of October I noticed a little bump in my stomach. I didn’t think much about it until about three weeks later Jon noticed it when I was laying down. He looked at my stomach and he could see it sticking up. He told me I better go to the Dr. After begging Chris to please get me the insurance card, I went. I went to Dr. McBath on Nov. 20 they did a full exam and sent me to have an ultrasound done NOW!!! So I did and they ordered an emergency C.T. Well Dr. McBath’s office didn’t call back before 5:00 to verify so I just went home. Well by 11:30 that night Jon had to take me to the E.R. They admitted me and ran all kinds of tests. It turned out to be a cyst on either my left ovary or my uterus. It was too big for them to tell exactly what it was attached to. So by Friday I knew that I would have to have surgery. So Dr. Weiss came in and talked to me about how serious it was and that I had to sign a waiver saying that I knew they might have to do a total hysterectomy. Since he knew that I wanted more children he would try to leave as much as he could. So Monday Nov. 25 at 8:00 I went in for surgery. He told Jon and my Mom that it should take about 20-25 minutes. So after an hour and a half they had sat there too long and went to ask what was going on. The Dr. had just finished. It turned out that he took a cyst, 11cm x 8.5cm, and approx. 3 pounds from my left ovary and also my left ovary. Then he took another one, 4cm x 4cm, from my right ovary. He went out and told them what he did. They were happy to know I was o.k. and that he didn’t have to take everything. However, he is only giving me one year to have another baby and then everything else has to go. He said the longer I wait the less chance I have to get pregnant. So things are going to have to move a little faster than originally planned. So now I am sitting at home recovering. I can’t drive because of the meds. So Mom, as always, is being wonderful and taking the kids to school and picking them up. Now on to the boys……

Tyler turned 7 this year. It is really hard to say that with out crying. I swear it doesn’t seem like that long ago. He played t-ball again this year and next year he moves up to the pitching machine. Him and Jon get out in the yard and play. He enjoys being around Jon. Ty started the first grade this year. I don’t like his teacher any where near as much as last year. This is her first year teaching and I think she forgets she is teaching first grade and not ninth. Ty is learning to play golf. Right now it is kind of hard because he uses Jon’s clubs. Hopefully he will be surprised to get his own for Christmas. He is in the Christmas play this year. We haven’t been told what part yet but he has practice after school until 5:30. He is getting so big and is still a joy to watch every day.

Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, what can I say. He is a red head……well lets see. He started at the day care when I started school. He really likes it. His teacher (Mrs. Micah) is married to one of Jon’s best friends. I have also known her for years. So if I drop him off and he starts to cry she just brings up Jon and he stops. He has lots of friends in his class. Shelby Denney, Morgan Finton, and his best friend Ralphie. It is fun to get to work with his class so I can see what he’s learning. Although it took a while for him to get used to me being there. I discovered that he knows how to ride a tricycle…..and very well. So for his 3rd birthday Jon and I got him a bright red, radio flyer tricycle. He loves it. He even impressed Tyler with his riding skill. He also loves to play golf. (We got him a junior set too). His first question of the day when I see him is “hey Mom, is Jon coming over today?” They are a pair.

About Jon….
His name is Jonathon Parsons. Never been married, no kids. His parents are Jamie and Randy Parsons. His dad owns Randy’s Appliance Repair and his mom works at W.R.E.C. with mom. Jon works for his dad and is taking a course t0 get certified so he can take over when his dad retires, which he is convinced will never happen. He graduated in 1992 with Shelley. He has played baseball his whole life. He played all four years in high school….which I remember very well. I had a slight crush in high school. He should have played in college but he got side tracked. So now he plays with the kids and on an adult softball team. Which he says this was his last year because of his knees. He also loves golf. He is up for a round at any time. He really is a great guy and definitely someone I need in my life. So plan on hearing more about him for years to come.

Late entry….Jon and I went hunting Friday morning (12/6) and sat out in the rain for about an hour. We saw a little deer and a lot of cows. All of a sudden a deer came in with his nose to the ground about 80 yards away. He got about 15 yards away and stopped. He looked right at us and Jon shot him. It was a 9 point that weighed about 125 lbs. That was his first this year and my first time watching. VERY EXCITING!!

So that has been my year. Hopefully I can sail through the rest with out any major changes. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. They were much needed and still are. We love you all and hope everyone has a SAFE and Happy Holiday.
Natalie, Jon, Tyler and Dylan

From Mandi:
Greetings from North Carolina,
We are all happy and healthy and were blessed with a new baby boy this year.

Chase Matthew Milam was born at 11:06 am on November 30th. He weighed in at 7 lbs 10.1 oz and 21 inches long. He is a wonderful baby and is doing great. Lane is a very proud and happy big brother. He is also my big helper with the baby.

We just had a big snow storm and Lane loved it. Last year he would cry if you put him in the snow. This year he loved it. Billy took him out and thought he wouldn't last very long but Billy got cold before Lane and had to drag him in kicking and screaming. It's amazing how much children can change and the speed in which they do it. It won't be long before Lane and Chase are running and playing together.

I am still at AON and doing well. It seems I am settling into my work and taking on more responsibility. I am proud of the work I have accomplished so far and hoping to work my way up within the company.

Billy's job took a hard hit this past year. 9/11 pretty much wiped out the aviation industry. After a series of layoff's he was forced to make a career move. He was blessed to get a good job at Valspar. They make paint and any type of wood coatings. It's a lot of hours but with the economy the way it is he is thankful to be employed.

Well, that's a little bit of what's gone on in our lives this year. We hope all of you have been as blessed as we have been. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love,
Billy, Mandi, Lane and Chase Milam

From Ralph & Paula:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All
Hope this year has been a good one for everyone.

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in February. Bishop Robert Lynch celebrates a Mass every year in February for catholic couples married 25 years, 50 years and over. It was a wonderful event and more emotional than anticipated. Thanks to Monica, Herman, and Father Pat for going with us.

In May we took a trip to New York for a long weekend. It was our first trip there since Alan and Lisa’s wedding. We stayed with friends in New Jersey, who showed us some of the sights. We were able to hook up with Laurie, JR and Nick for dinner one night, which was quite a treat. On Sunday morning we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for Mass and met Rebecca and Travis, who took us to breakfast and gave us a guided tour of Central Park. It’s a lot bigger than imagined. Thanks to the Walden and True families for making our trip extra special.

Dan arrived here in June for what was to be a busy four months for him. He sure is busy for someone without a job!!! It’s always great to have him here, and we miss him when he’s gone.

Also in June, we made an overdue trip to Newport News for a long weekend to visit the Petters family. In December, we made another trip there and timed it to include the “Grand Illumination” at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. We always have a lot of fun with Mike, Nancy, Sarah (now off to Tulane) and Caroline. The December trip was just a bit on the cold side weather wise. Thanks to the Petters family for the wonderful hospitality.

As usual, the family reunion in July was a big success. Too bad we don’t get to see everyone more often, guess it makes it all that more special when we do. Thanks again to Herman and Monica for being such generous hosts.

It was fun having Barbara, Laurie, JR, Nick, and Evan (and of course Dan) stay with us during the reunion weekend.

During the summer, Paula painted the interior of our house. A dramatic improvement, and a big job. The exterior is next (Ralph thinks he’ll have to help on this one.)

In September, an abandoned kitten found us. She was about 6 weeks old at the time, powder orange with a tail only half as long as it would normally be. She also has a loud mouth (good for getting some poor suckers to take you in!) We named her Molly, and she is quite the cat. K.C. is about 6 years old now and plays well with Molly until she gets rough. Christine, about 13 years old, either hisses or whacks at her, and goes about her business (sleeping, eating, or getting scratches from the poor suckers.) At any rate, Molly runs the crew!

Connie’s surprise birthday tea party at Melda & Jack’s new home was the big event in October. We had a great time and still believe we actually surprised her!

November brought the election and the departure of Dan to all points west! Also in November, Ralph completed his 15th year with the Florida Lottery; a job he says is still great.

Our year wrapped up with the trip to Newport News and preparations for Christmas. Our church choir has been practicing for the Christmas Masses and for Church Street Christmas in Dade City. The Methodist Church invites us to perform every year, so we will be there on Sunday, December 22 from 8-9 p.m. It’s a big event and a lot of fun.
We hope everyone has a Happy 2003.
Love to all,
Ralph and Paula
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