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Before I begin my remarks, I ask each of you to join me in a moment of silent prayer for all the troops serving our country today, their efforts cannot be forgotten.
This ceremony is not about the two commanders, Sue Davidson and David Thomas. It's about a mission performed by a great unit brought together under adverse conditions that has performed miraculous feats and is destined to continue this success. It's about keeping the unit fresh to enable the mission to keep the pace it has set. There are no perpetual machines out here, we all have our limits, however, the soldiers of this battalion represented before you have convinced the world they are as close as it gets. We were organized with 31 teams, 27 from 11 different states, along with 3 from Italy. Our backgrounds include teachers, firemen, lawyers, businessmen, cinematographers, students, police officers and soldiers. This diversity greatly contributed to our successes.
Let me tell you some numbers, you have all heard that we moved 57,715 convoys and 785,882 vehicles, moving 538 million miles. But did you know that on our busiest day, 31 March, we moved 7118 Vehicles? Think about that for a minute… each vehicle averages, let's say, 40 feet. 7118 times 40 feet equals 285 thousand feet, this equals 54 miles end to end, add the required intervals and network deconfliction requirements and you can begin to see how large a task we had to keep them all moving.
I remember telling my family, when we were in the height of these largest moves during the surge, as we were moving 8 Divisions simultaneously, in civilian terms it was comparable to having a packed stadium at Busch field, capacity 70,000 and a packed stadium at Wrigley Field, capacity about 58000, and having to move all of the fans from the stadium they were currently in to the other stadium, along with all their vehicles, working or not, and all their household goods. All within a two week period. Every truck hauling goods had to be coordinated, and every flight scheduled and buses synchronized and deconflicted to make this all happen smoothly. But the catch was, the games had to keep being played and both stadiums had to maintain a fan base of 30000. Oh, and we didn't have open lanes or direct routes to travel on, the road construction was still happening, and every once in a while road rage, known here as IEDs took some of our vehicles out of the mix. I told them we had to not only move everything but at any time, be able to tell the boss exactly where Sammy Sosa's nephew's rocking chair was located in the process… I think I got the image across.
The soldiers represented before you did it all… the planning through TMR s and the meter-flow and count mission MCTs are all too familiar with. Complication upon complication, this Battalion lived up to our motto "We Never Stop!" Even when 7 bridges were down, they, from external locations chartered new routes, guiding convoys via JDLM and MTS to reach destination to keep critical supplies moving.
General Chambers, Sir, I really appreciate your keeping me out of jail as we, without proper authority, used National Air Cargo for the mission essential delivery of ammo to TQ in May… well, at least I appreciate your willingness to visit me if I did go. Seriously, though, through our determination, which some folks call my stubbornness, and your support, we have set systems in place to fly more and more cargo, keeping trucks off the dangerous highways. Through this rotation we've kept 10422 trucks or about 750 convoys off the road due to air and rail movements.
The Army has identified the need to keep a high level of effort on the missions here and is rotating all troops to keep a fresh, solid force on the ground. There are still lots of missions to complete… Today, there are over 2000 trucks moving those critical supplies across Iraq, and it is just Tuesday… This mission continues, the next set of soldiers will take over and keep the amazing pace that has been set. David, I wish your battalion only the BEST and know you'll carry on in an outstanding fashion. To the troops represented before you, I can only tell you how very humbled I am to have had the opportunity to stand as your leader this past year. You are the Army's Best and Brightest! To all of you, I say - THANKS, it's been an AWESOME year and it's time to go home.
Thanks to all that have supported our mission and enabled our success.
"Patriot Six, This is Spearhead Six, along with Spearhead 7 requesting permission to leave the net and return my troops to homestation…. Spearhead six out."
We started the year by packing up the Holiday Decorations. We seem to keep accumulating more and more each year. I keep saying I’m going to purge my collection, maybe it will be this year. Ha! Ha! I’m such a packrat.
February is the month of the Fairs. The Pasco County Fair follows the Florida State Fair. This year I entered 3 of my quilts after being persuaded by Renee’ to do so. Jim entered 2 of his model ships, the Titanic and the PT109. We entered a pencil drawing Jimmy’s brother drew. We brought home 6 ribbons, one Grand Champion, 1 Reserve Grand, 3 blue and 1 red.
After the fair it was time to get plans underway for the reunion in July. It would be good if I could share the fun we had making the family quilts. I appreciate the way our family participated to make this project come together as it did. Everyone needs to be proud and thankful they are part of the BEST.
We had to cancel the Denney reunion this year because Charlie came to visit Labor Day weekend. This was the first time we did not have an annual reunion since 1987. This was the first time since 1886 Florida had 4 hurricanes in a season.
Due to the heavy damage to the citrus in south Florida from the hurricanes we were able to sell our crop on the tree and do as well as we usually do when we pick and bag the oranges. Jim would not have been able to pick this year. We have so much to be thankful for.
Jim began to have serious knee problems during the early fall. Then on November 30 he had complete left knee replacement surgery. He is in the recoup mode now and is doing real good. He goes back to the doctor tomorrow. He hopes to be able to go back to driving again soon. He misses taking the grandchildren to school. He has not been able to join his friends on Monday’s for breakfast. They go to the flea market afterward. He hasn’t been to a Cruise In for about 3 months. He is beginning to have cabin fever.
I am still working and enjoying it every day. The Dade City Branch of HeavyQuip had the best month ever in November. We set the record Company wide.
We wish everyone a very Happy and Blessed Holiday Season and a good year. Welcome back, Susie. Thanks for all you have done for us. We love you.
Love, Jim & Margie
From Mae & Steve
Hello All
We hope everyone is doing well and had a good year (sure goes by fast). Not a lot different on our home front. Mae has been back to work at the fire department for a while now and is doing good. She is eligible to retire, she has her 25 years in, but is going to work a little while longer. Steve is also still working at the fire department and in a few years will also have his 25 years in. He still works part time in the emergency room, and also helps out with the scouts when he can. Chris is still in scouts, he is the senior patrol leader and really likes that position. He has made Life rank and now is working toward Eagle rank. He will be going to the 2005 National Scout Jamboree in Virginia for 10 days at the end of July, it sounds like it will be a really good time. Also he is making plans to go to Spain for a week with his spanish class in April, which should also be a great experience. He got his learners permit and is becoming a very good driver. (no crashes--but a few scary moments) He should get his regular license in March. He continues to do good in school. He is taking several Honor classes and is still very active in drama. This year he is working with stagecraft which is building props, working lights, sound, curtains etc. He loves it. Speaking of love, Chris received a puppy from his sister Lori for his birthday, a little chocolate chuauaha which he named Neo, they are great together. Spencer is also doing well and is very busy. He is doing very good in school and is very involved with the school band. His primary instrument is the trumpet but he is also now playing the tuba. He is in the jazz band, the symphonic band and recently tried out and was chosen to be in the "all county band". He also has an electric guitar which is next on his list to learn to play. He will also be getting his learners permit soon. Lori still lives in Tampa and works for Avila Golf and Country club, she has been there for quite a while now and loves working there and has met many interesting people and sports figures.
Our best wishes and love to everyone for a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Steve, Mae, Chris, Lori and Spencer
From Renee
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone!
I’m sorry we missed the last newsletter, let me update you some!
Jessica is taking a break from school, so she is working full time at HeavyQuip. She works in the office doing a lot of just about everything, accounts receivable, accounts payable, parts department, inventory, etc…She is still living at home and her good friend Ashley is living with us too. I enjoy having them both in the house.
I am still at the same job (24 + years). Last year we got a new director, it sure has been a challenge.
After several attempts the insurance company finally gave their approval for my doctor to proceed with a complete hysterectomy. I can’t believe how good I feel.
Clark resigned after 13 years with Covanta to concentrate full time on our business. It has been going extremely well. The hurricanes really added to the already full workload.
At the end of February, Clark underwent surgery for prostate cancer. All went well and remains cancer free.
In April, Clark was elected President of the Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows, Inc. He has been on the Board of Directors for 10 years. Continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Pasco County Fair and is currently in his 7th year serving as General Manager.
We went to Lake Weir in June, which is always a good time! Clark, Jessica & I traveled to Las Vegas at the end of November. Clark & I stayed for 9 days. Jessica was there for the first weekend. The first weekend was a very busy weekend. Clark’s sister flew from California to be there, his nephew and his wife and their children live there, along with his niece and her children. His oldest son and his wife and four children live in Arizona, they drove to Vegas for the weekend. So for the weekend we had 17 family members in Vegas. Since we have never had the opportunity to meet our grandchildren before this was a true blessing! We really enjoyed our time together. We love being grandparents.
Clark & I came out about even on our gambling attempts, however Jessica and our daughter in-law won over $600 on the penny slots. How lucky is that?
The annual convention for the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, Inc started the day after everyone left and it kept us busy the rest of our time there. We hope to make this an annual trip.
That’s about all for now. I hope this finds everyone safe & well.
Lots of Love, Clark, Renee & Jessica
From Katheen
Another year, where has it gone?? I’ll try to remember what happened….here goes…
February found us again at the Pasco County Fair to watch as Bret showed his steer and Jake showed his hog. While we were very proud of both the boys, we were especially pleased that Jake’s showmanship efforts were finally rewarded. Jake placed second in Intermediate Showmanship and took home a 3 foot tall trophy which he humbly displays on his dresser.
In June, Shelbie had quite a cheering section as she performed in “The Calendar of Dance”, her ballet recital. She was an adorable bunny and her front-row audience was so very proud!
June made a few changes to this Denney household, as Kathleen earned a promotion with Coca-Cola. She is now the Senior Administrative Assistant to the Director of Operations at the Tampa Production facility. This means a little longer hours and much more responsibility, but also a much more rewarding job! Papa continues to take the kids to school each day, with Aunt Nae Nae as a reliable back-up. We don’t know how we’d do it without the support of our family.
This summer was eventful, with the many hurricanes. Although for the most part, we were very lucky. We had to live without the luxury of electricity for more than a couple of days. But it only took doing this once to convince us that a generator was a worthwhile investment. By the time the last hurricane hit, we had everything situated to where we said “Who needs TECO anyway?” It made for a long summer, but one where we realized how blessed we really are, and how fortunate we are to have all of the modern conveniences that we all take for granted.
Shelbie started Pre-K in August at St Anthony’s, where Jake is now in 7th grade. Bret took the big step into high school and is in all honors classes at Pasco High School. Bret was on the swim team, his first time ever. He really enjoyed it. He swam the 50, the 200, the 400 relay and much to our surprise, the 500. He earned his letter for this and also a nice award as the “Most Improved Swimmer.”
It is now December, and we are preparing for Christmas. The boys will both be showing steers this year, so they are hard at work on their projects. Shelbie is a huge help to Mom with all the Christmas wrapping. Duane continues to be very busy at the Farm Basket, especially this time of year with all of the special orders. We all feel very fortunate for all of our prosperity in 2004 and we look forward to the New Year.
Love from the Duane Denney bunch,
Duane, Kathleen, Bret, Jake, and Shelbie
This has been a very bad year. This has been a very good year.
In the spring, Sam ....... but that is his story to tell. Kevin was ........ but that is Fred's story to tell.
In August, hurricane Charley dropped a very large oak limb onto our roof, punching a hole through the ceiling of Sam's bedroom. Teresa and Jessica were here, as well as Melinda and her family, because we thought it would be safer than at their homes. Ha! But, thank God, their homes were spared. And thank God they were here because there was a big mess; and the next day I injured my knee, couldn't walk, and had to go to the emergency room via ambulance. An MRI showed tears in the Meniscus and tears in the ACL. I was out of work for 2 months.
Three weeks later Hurricane Frances wasn't too bad to us. She blew the tarp off the roof (which was covering the hole that Charley left) and let in a little more water. Three weeks later, we had just gotten the roof and ceiling repaired when hurricane Jeanne dropped another very large oak limb onto our roof. This one didn't stop at the roof but came on down through the ceiling. It took a large crane to remove it. What a mess!
Thank God, Bonnie and Sam were here, because I still could barely walk. (Bonnie and her kids were here during Frances and Jeanne because we thought it was safer than at their home. Ha! Their home was spared.) They did a lot of bailing, and moving, and dragging, trying to salvage as much as possible. Everything from 3 bedrooms, a large hall closet, and bathroom is now in the family, dining, and living rooms. The living room is currently Sam's bedroom.
Enough of the bad. The good is that God is ever faithful and so generous. Turns out I have a very good insurance company. After each storm, an insurance adjuster was here within 2 days and gave me more than enough money to have my home repaired. Caleb and his dad were here to take care of the tree. The repairmen were able to begin work right away. Fred and Sam have been great, doing a lot of the labor themselves. Fred seems to know a lot of the "right" people. It is now 2 months later, I have a beautiful new roof, and the inside is well on its way to being repaired. Yet I am still seeing a lot of blue roofs and I understand some people are still waiting for insurance adjusters to come out. Am I blessed or what?
My knee is better, but I am told it will never be good. In fact, both knees are bad, severe arthritis. Guess bilateral knee replacements are in my near future-- Oh, joy! I am now back at work, but am having a difficult time. I cut back to 4 days a week and am thinking about cutting back to 3. This month I became full retirement age and have applied for Social Security. It will start next month so I will be able to work less or find something easier to do. Nursing is hard work.
So, this Thanksgiving I really have much to be thankful for. None of my family was injured during 3 hurricanes. All my children's homes were spared, but for some minor damage. I have good insurance. My home is being repaired. I have great kids and wonderful grandkids. Of all the things I am thankful for, I am most thankful for my family. I am blessed.
Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!
Love, Joan
P. S. Bonnie said next time I am coming to her house.
From Lisa,
Hello to all. We are doing well and we hope you are too. Alan’s job is pretty much the same without many changes. The good news is that American is calling back flight attendants; the bad news is that they are laying off more pilots. We don’t think Alan will be affected by the layoffs this time. He has been much more active this year and is feeling better. Thank you all for your prayers.
We spent Memorial Day weekend in Washington D C. Alan’s parents, sister, her husband and their son met us down their. Becca’s band was invited to participate in the celebration of the World War II Memorial Dedication. They performed a concert at the Jefferson Memorial on Saturday afternoon and marched in the parade on Monday. We all had a wonderful time together. This was my first trip to DC; it really was an awe inspiring weekend for me. I really felt like it was a gift and an honor to be there for this grand dedication, it was long overdue and yet somehow I felt that God’s timing is always perfect. God has given us so much just by living in this country. Our freedom has cost so many people dearly. All I can say is that to each one of you who has served our country “thank you and may God continue to bless you”. There were so many quotes, so much history, and so little time. In July we did our normal trip to Florida with the added pleasure of attending the family reunion. It was terrific and heart warming to see and visit with everyone. Fred’s daughter Jenna came back to NH with us to visit for about a week and a half and then I flew with her back to Florida. I was able to stay a couple of days and see a few of Kenny’s state playoff games. In August I took a reading course through the Institute of Life Long Learning. School sure is a lot more interesting when you want to go and not just because you have to go. After the summer I decided not to continue working at the YMCA. In October I took another trip to Florida for my buddy Kevin. Fred will fill you in, but I can say that Kevin is a real trooper.
Becca is now a junior in high school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society this year. She started her first job just before the summer helping to decorate for weddings. Her company, Inspired Elegance, only handles linens. Apparently she ties a lot of bows and knots into beautifully colored sashes which go on top of the chair linens. She has also started driving with Alan and me. My biggest challenge is trying to refrain from shrieking “mailbox, mailbox”! She will start a driver’s education class in January. Can someone please tell them that it snows in New England in January? Becca had another lifetime experience this year and that was watching the Sox beat the Yanks in the ALC Series and then go on to win the World Series. You cannot imagine the excitement in New England this year. They’ve waited 86 years for a win! It was incredible! BELIEVE! Go Sox!
Katie is now in second grade. She was very inspired by the summer Olympics, especially the gymnastics. By September she was signed up for gymnastics class once again after taking off for about eight months. Her feet are continuing to improve and we are thankful for that. Thank you again for your prayers.
We wish you all a wonderful Holiday and pray that God blesses you all and keeps you in His wonderful care!
Love, Alan, Lisa, Becca & Katie
From Teresa,
Greetings everyone,
Hope you are all well. It was great to see everyone at the reunion...wish we could see each other more often. This year has flown by...so what's new?
Spent some time last Christmas with Glenn as a family...too short.
In March I had a fibroid embolism to eliminate a large uterine fibroid which was complicating my life...successful.
May brought Caleb's graduation...thank you, Lord!
The end of May and half of June was spent with Bonnie as we helped my Uncle Troy prepare to move from a packed three-bedroom house with garage, to one room at a military retirement facility in Washington D.C.--hope to recover by 2005.
July was family month...great to see ya, and time for another car...Cabrio...love it.
August and September we were quite busy with hurricanes, hurricanes, hurricanes. Caleb moved out on August 11th to live with Glenn for about a year or year and a half. His plan is to do tree work with Dad for that time and then go into the Marines. That was Wednesday. Friday, Charlie hit. Tuesday Caleb and Glenn came down to help with the disaster, then stayed for the next...and the next...and the next. They were here for three months. Caleb had to start his own tree business in order to work in Florida. He did quite well and was able to buy a work truck and equipment...proud of him.
That brings us to October...Ahhh what a month. North Carolina in the fall! The leaves, Cade's Cove, steam train to Bryson City, Deal's Gap, and the DRAGON!!!!!. O.K., I'll fill you in. There's a place called Deal's Gap in N.C. and Tennessee...11 miles, 318 curves--drove it...20 minutes...MR2 Toyota Spyder. Got it? I slayed the dragon!...five times...made a sport bike pull over : )...hafta go back and do it again...gotta get my own Spyder!!
Jessica is still at home taking art classes via distance learning, and working days at the restaurant. We are now both working days, so we get to see more of each other...not enough. Caleb's in Georgia with Glenn, starting up his business there, and enjoying his motorcycle and hunting...miss him...hope to see him around New Years.
We're looking forward to hearing from all of you in the newsletter. God bless and keep all of you and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love, Teresa, Jessica and Caleb
From Mike & Sandra
Season Greetings!
We are doing wonderful so far. Our 1st daughter Jennifer is in 1st grade, she loves her school but not her homework. Ha, she’s got an A and B grade average. Of course we are very proud of her. Our 2nd daughter Lily, she stays home and plays with her dolls and watches movies. Sandra still works at Post Office, 16 years now. I have worked at the Bakery for 14 years.
We all went on a cruise last March to Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas. The beaches were so beautiful and we had a blast. They all kneeled and begged me to go back again next time. Ha
Guess what… we bought a timeshare in Orlando. It is a beautiful place. We love it so much. My sister Bonnie's kids, Rachael and Samson, stayed with us a whole week, and we had a good time. Then my sister Melinda, Jimmy and Warren stayed with us for the weekend. We had good/blast time. Then my brother Sam and my mom Joan come to visit us all. That weekend was on Memorial Day in May.
What a beautiful quilt. It is wonderful for Susan, my mom showed us the pictures in her computer. Can you make me one? Ha.
Love all,
Lily, Jennifer, Sandra and Mike
From Melinda,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
Our son Warren keeps us busy and is 11 years old this year. He finally moved up to middle school in 6th grade. He felt very different from elementary school because he has many more teachers than before. This school is a very a modern building. The funny part is that both restrooms do not have any front door at all! He got straight A’s and made the Principal's List for the second time. He is doing very well at school.
Last spring, he advanced to major leagues (11 & 12 years old) and was selected to the Yankees team. His main position is still 3rd base and back up as shortstop. After 4 games, he got his new $180 big barrel bat, and had a huge improvement in his average until the end of season. The two highlights of his play were that he got a double in 5 straight games against 12 year old pitchers, and got 2 RBI’s in each of the last three games. The team came in fourth place. His final average was .476. He was selected to the 11 year old All-Stars Team.
The All-Stars team went to Panama City, FL for the State Championship last July. The first night they had the bunt and home run derby. Warren was the last person selected for the home run derby. He hit a ball a long, long way but the ball hit the fence and he got half a point. His other two players hit home runs. Our team led the home run derby. The next day, his team faced a well-oiled team from Tallahassee. After the first inning his three players were out. Their pitcher was a very, very good one. In the 2nd inning, Warren came up as the fourth hitter in the lineup and his first swing was a strike. The next one he blasted over the fence for his first home run. We were overjoyed and got hugged from the other players' parents. Our players tried to get more runs to win but, no luck. His team lost the first game, 11 to 1. His team won the next four games to meet the mighty team from Tallahassee for the final championship game. The final game did not come out well. They beat his team again, 12 to 1. His team came in 2nd place, which was better than last years third place at Key West. The Tallahassee team won the World Dizzy Dean series at Tennessee. Our league belongs to the Dizzy Dean Organization. It is a big difference from Little League's rules. The Dizzy Dean rules are more like professional baseball. That's why our league's team will never enter the Little League World Series at Williamsport, PA
Last fall, He continued to play in the Winter League with only four teams. He played very well and his average was still strong at .480. One of the games he helped to win by his big hit with 2 RBI’s to tie, and ran home to win the game. The most amazing thing was that his coach decided to put him as pitcher. He pitched very well. He got a total of 24 strikeouts in 12 innings. That's 2 strikeouts per inning! One of the games, he won as pitcher with one hit, one run, and 6 strikeouts in three innings. He and a few players will have their pitch clinic this month. I will hire a coach to sharpen his pitching skills in January. I believe that we need to have better pitchers to be ready for springtime. His present coach wants Warren for his team next spring. Another coach asked him if he could join his team. Oh boy, I believe he will be number one draft player!! All five coaches will select players after tryouts in January. We are looking forward to spring league, district and state tourney. My dream is that I want his all-stars team to win the state championship! Love,
Jimmy, Melinda and Warren
From Bonnie,
Bless God, Praise God, we survived hurricane season in Florida. The farm is still growing, and we have two new calves and one colt. Rachael and Samson are both on straight A honor Role. We took the kids tubing to Itchutuckney Springs. We also went to visit Melinda, Jimmy, and Warren to go visit the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs and learn about Greek life. Mike and Samson went to visit his brother in Paris Island N.C. He had just returned from Iraq and then Afghanistan; 20 months away from home and good ole America. The kids went back in November with their grandmother to visit again. There were lots of weeds in the summer and fall garden but good squash, and black eye peas, and corn. Mike built a live Nativity scene on his trailer and the kids from the church dressed up as Mary, Joseph, shepherd, and the deacon and pastor as wise men for the Polk City Parade. They gave away free stuffed animals to every kid along the route over 600 animals. The town commission gave the church the best Christmas spirit award for the float. Mike and Samson have been hunting now in the fall. Mike got a doe Thanksgiving week.
Love (the act) others Always,
Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so unto them.
Michael, Bonnie, Rachael, Samson
From Sam,
Hello everyone
Sam here, what a year…. ouch!!! Carlene divorced me in April and my world came to an end. At least that is what I thought at the time. But I was wrong. Once again the Lord showed me that he is bigger than any situation I could go through. Due to my new financial circumstances I moved in with Mom. Carlene and the boys moved to Texas in July and that is really tough. I am hoping and praying that we will someday be reconciled. Hurricane Charley dropped a 5000 lb limb (TINY) on Mom's house, so I moved out of my room so they could repair the roof and ceiling. Then just as the repair work was almost complete (lacked only paint on the ceiling), hurricane Jeanne dropped another limb (HUGE) on Mom's house; three instant skylights with built in waterfalls. Bonnie and I bailed water for about 6 hours straight. It turns out it didn’t really matter because they ( insurance) wound up gutting three bedrooms, a bathroom, a hallway, the ceiling in the garage and the entire roof and some rafters. It’s now Nov. 6th and the repair process is in full tilt. No matter what we go through the Lord always shows Himself faithful. May God bless all of you and may we all bless God.
Love Sam
From Fred,
So, where was I? Oh yeah, 20 minutes ago I was sending last years newsletter to Lisa, or so it seems!!! This year has been full of trials and victories. (kind of like a Matlock episode.) So here is our year in a nutshell.
January- Paying off Christmas bills.
February- Paying off Christmas bills.
March- Paying off Christmas bills. Baseball starts, and I no longer see my home. START OF KEVIN'S ORDEAL!! More on that later.........
April- More baseball- more Christmas bills. MORE KEVIN'S ORDEAL...........
May- Turned 31 years old (feel like 50, act like 15, (according to my wife). MORE KEVIN'S ORDEAL...........
June- Christmas 2003 finally over. Saving for 2009. All three kids make all stars! (DANG!! Where's my wallet???) Kevin's team won first in district. Jenna's team took a whoopin only a dad could be proud of. Kenny's team took first in district and went to the State Tournament and placed 2nd out of 16 teams. One game away from going to the World Series in Muscle Shoals Alabama. He'll get another shot in 2 years. If there's any Red Sox scouts out there, I am Kenny's manager and my number is ###-###-####. Congrats to Lisa and family for that victory, and a special shout out to Becca (Red Sox newest and GREATEST FAN!!!)
July- Paying for all stars. NOT PREPARING FOR HURICANES' WRATH!!!! (...my..bad...) My wife Janet turned 23 years old............er than she was when she was 9. MORE KEVIN'S ORDEAL................
August- Welcome Hurricane Charley (jerk!) Kenny turned 11 and is in the 6th grade. Almost have all stars paid for, and now Kenny is playing football, Jenna is cheerleading and poor KEVIN IS STILL ORDEALING................
September- Welcome Hurricane Frances (not quite as bad a jerk!!) More football, cheerleading and more bills. Welcome Hurricane Jeanne (biggest jerk of all jerks!!!!!!!) POOR KEVIN..........
October- Working my tail off for the City of Lakeland Water Distribution Dept. Getting little rest and plenty of "contracting" experience at mom's house. KEVIN'S ORDEAL ESCALATES TO SURGERY!!............
November- thru the 24th (cuz that's when I sent this letter) KEVIN'S DOING GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Football and cheerleading is over. Trying to pay that off!!! Wow, it's almost time for another newsletter.
Now for the details of Kevin's ORDEAL- I'll try to give you the condensed version. (for full version contact mom) Here goes. Kevin has had problems having a bowel movement since birth. He was born 5 weeks premature and was kept in Neonatal for 2 weeks. We took him home and he had central brain apnea, which means his brain would forget to tell his body to breathe. Months later we overcame that with the help of modern technology, skilled doctors, lots of insurance and loads of GOD'S GRACE!!! Meanwhile Kevin's pediatrician was back seat to all specialist doctors, but was still our main source of care. Kevin had problems messing his diaper after two weeks of being home (no mess-- big problem). She ran some tests and said that he had a narrow opening in his lower intestine but that he would outgrow it, and Janet should just add some Karo syrup with her breast milk. Here's where hind sight is 20/20. Kevin has had problems having a bowel movement ever since, (pediatrician says "give him mineral oil and he will GO"). Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn't. After several years of my WONDERFUL WIFE having to ( physically and painfully remove hard, golf ball sized stool from Kevin's rectum,) and the (pediatrician insisting that he will "outgrow it") we were beginning to lose our trust. HOW CAN YOU NOT TRUST YOUR PEDIATRICIAN??????? In March of this year, on a Wednesday, Janet called and said "Kevin is backed up!". Doctor said "give him some mineral oil and see me on MONDAY!" Thursday (the day after the call) Janet called back. "Kevin can not keep anything down, everything he swallows comes right back up immediately!!" . Doctor says he will keep enough down and it will help, still see her on Monday. Next day (Friday) morning, Kevin did not move. Janet said the Heck with the pediatrician and took Kevin to the Lakeland ER. Within an hour he was rushed by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. He was backed up to his esophagus. Several tests and several doctors had revealed that Kevin was not JUST constipated but, had a serious problem. A rectal exam and colonoscopy revealed a suspicion of HIRSCHSPRUNGS, (something we knew nothing about.! ) HIRSCHSPRUNGS is when the lower part of the colon has no nerve cells. This is a problem because your body doesn't know you have to GO. This results in the colon ballooning with feces. This creates big problems because of the bacteria contained in the colon and of the stretching of the colon. KEVIN IS A WALKING TIME BOMB!!!! Surgery is inevitable and at this point, a no brainer... Kevin's surgeon informed us that he would need a colostomy bag for six months to a year to allow his colon to shrink to normal size. This would entail Kevin's intestine to be exposed through his stomach and release stool into a bag. THIS IS MAJOR!!!! HE IS 6 YEARS OLD!!!! Scared but trusting we no doubt said DO IT!! Kevin came through like a champ. Surgery on Oct. 27, he came home and wanted to go Trick Or Treating Halloween night. He spent the week home and went back to school the next week. I must give thanks to his MOM for caring for his every need. Thanks to his teacher and school nurse who have treated this as a normal situation. (Actually he is taking this better than I am.) MANY THANKS TO GRAN for her expertise and willingness to care for him. Much thanks to Lisa who took her time and money to fly down to see Kevin before and after surgery. And thanks to Alan for changing his schedule to allow this. Lots of love to you. Kevin is doing great and as of his last visit to his surgeon, he might be able to have his final surgery (to attach his good colon to his rectum) as early as February. God is GREAT!! I want to thank YOU for your thoughts and prayers. I love you, and God bless you, our family, our country, our President, and OUR TROOPS!!!!!
Love, Fred
P.S. I LOVE YOU SAM!!!!!!!
More than anything else, it has been a year of travel for the four of us. You may remember that last year we skipped country at Christmas time and headed to Australia. We spent 10 days there, splitting our time between Sydney and Cairns, with visits to the Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef (where we found Nemo!), an aboriginal village, and a trip deep into the rainforest. We even managed to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbor. As most travel vacations are, it was unforgettable.
Likewise, our trip to Florida was unique in more ways than one. After the reunion, we took a few days and visited Marco Island. While there, Sarah and Caroline managed to demonstrate their proficiency at slaying snook (catch and release only!).
After the trip to Florida, we managed to work in our usual waterskiing vacation at Lake Gaston. Joining the four of us were Ralph and Paula, and Jennifer and Michael. Everyone skied exceptionally well (Ralph and I skied together again after about a 30 year layoff - here’s hoping we don’t wait another 30 years to do it again!), and had a great time.
If that was not enough, Sarah decided to spend her junior year abroad. This fall semester, she has been in Senegal, participating in an International Development curriculum sponsored by the University of Minnesota. She has had the chance to work at the university in Dakar, as well as at a clinic in a village about 3 hours out of the city. Most importantly, she is scheduled to be home on December 19. We are anxiously awaiting her return. Next semester she will be participating in a medical research program in London through the University of Rochester. I think her passport is filling up.
Meanwhile, Caroline continues her fine school work, to go with her piano studies and, of course, field hockey. This year she was a co-captain on the JV, and also got some playing time with the varsity, scoring the go-ahead goal in a playoff clinching game against Hampton High. Hard to believe, but she also has her driving learner’s permit, and has been chauffeuring us around town for a couple of months now.
Nancy and I continue to just try to keep with the dynamic duo. Nancy is still working with the three-year-olds at the preschool. And I’m still working at the shipyard, albeit with some new responsibilities. During this special season, we are most thankful for Susie’s safe return, and are looking forward to seeing Sarah soon. We wish all of you the joys of the season.
Mike and Nancy, Sarah and Caroline.
From Bernie and Jennifer:
Our year has been one of transition, adventure and achievement for our family
Jennifer was promoted to Information Center Manager at Sterling on the Lake, a 900 acre master-planned community located in Hall County, 20 minutes from our house. Her responsibilities include staffing and day-to-day operations of the center, as well as implementing numerous marketing programs and coordinating several community events. Recently, the project was recognized on the local and national level for its successful launch into the area.
Matthew completed his Cub Scout years and crossed over into Boy Scouts this spring. A very notable change in scouting came this summer as he attended a week-long 'scout only' camp at Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Georgia. As a boy scout, he is learning a great deal (including how to recognize poison ivy. He has just recently recovered from a severe bout with poison ivy he received on a Scout community service project. As they say, 'no good deed goes unpunished!!'). He is a Tenderfoot now, working hard to earn 2nd class rank. He has been on many week-end outings, earning several Merit Badges so far. In August, Matthew started a new school, Creekland Middle School. It is the largest middle school in the country (3000+). Though the size may be intimidating at first, he has really taken to middle school. At the beginning of school, all children who were interested in band (600+) were tested on music aptitude. Matthew scored very high and was given the opportunity to choose his desired instrument and he selected the Tuba. (Yes, he has already had a private lesson from Uncle Brian!) Recently, he and his fellow band members performed their first concert and it was fabulous! Filled with Christmas tunes and a fan favorite the 'Hey' song (also known as The theme from Dr. Who).
Nathaniel continued in Cub Scouts, earning his Wolf badge and he is now in a Bear Den. His Pack traveled to the Okefonokee swamp for the winter Big Event. With the Cub Scouts, its always a family event, so we all went along. The park has quite an extensive exhibit of swamp critters and plants. Along with scouting, he began two new activities which kept him very busy with practices and meets and games. He joined our community swim team and practiced every day this summer. His specialty is the back-stroke. In six meets, he collected two first place ribbons, along with two seconds and several thirds. He was selected for the relay team which qualified to compete in the county-wide meet held at the Emory University pool. That was quite an experience for him (and us, too). They had an awesome performance and bested their time by 45 seconds!! This fall, Nathaniel played organized soccer for the first time. Despite being new to the sport, he played very well, scoring several goals and impressing the coaches with his defense and hustle. Their team completed the season with only 1 loss!
We were fortunate to make several trips this year. We traveled to Destin again for Spring Break. The weather was great and we took a sunset dolphin cruise one evening. We traveled to Florida again in July for the Barthle Family Reunion. As usual, it was a terrific event. Thanks again to all who work hard to pull it together. After the reunion activities, we took Susie's kids, Jennifer and Michael, with us to Orlando. We went to Universal Studios and Disney World. It was quite a treat to watch the four of them enjoy the parks.
Another first for the boys this year was a concert! As we followed the American Idol competition from beginning to end rooting for Diana DeGarmo, our relative by marriage, she impressed America just as we knew she would. Through family connections, we were able to get 'back-stage' passes to the American Idol concert in Atlanta. We also attended a VIP party for Diana after the show. It was a great experience and the boys enjoyed getting autographs and pictures made with all the 'Stars!'
As for me, I have once again changed employers. During the summer I began flying for two of my former employers as a freelance pilot. Due to some special projects, not to mention the hurricanes, I have been extremely busy. I have filled in for TV stations here in Atlanta, in Greenville, SC, and in Milwaukee, WI. I spend most of my time flying various projects involving power lines in Georgia, in addition to the TV and traffic flights.
We wish all of you a very happy holiday season and joyous New Year!
From Debbie & Tim
Greeting to all!
It's hard to believe another year has past. Looking back it is amazing to see all of the changes and blessing that we have received.
Tim is still working for SAIC and will be working on updating his Microsoft Certifications (MCSE and MCDBA) this year. We still have our season tickets to the Tampa Bay Bucs and Tim enjoys his Sundays at the game.
Debbie and Nicholas continue to attend MOPS and are regularly attending "story time" sessions at the library. Nicholas is particularly proud of his library card and looks forward to picking out a book for "daddy" to read to him. Nicholas also played his first team sport this year - soccer. It's hard to believe they have a soccer league for 3 year olds, but they do, and the experience for Nicholas was amazing. He looked forward to his Tuesday night practices, as much as his Saturday morning games. Nicholas and Tim have also participated in the Home Depot Kids Workshops this past year and are looking forward to building more projects this coming year.
As for Debbie, when she isn't busy with Nicholas, Tim or the house, she is eagerly learning about her horses. In February, we made the hard decision to trade Dixie for Goliath. Dixie needed much more than we were able to give her. We found Goliath at a farm in Spring Hill, and although his size was very intimidating, (Debbie refers to him as her gentle giant) his extensive training and gentleness were obvious. In addition, the owners of the farm agreed to take Dixie and work with her. It was a win - win situation for all. Boomer has blossomed into a great little mini. Debbie really enjoys working with him and is looking forward to breaking him for the cart next summer. In July, Debbie got another mini named "Portrait" for her birthday. Portrait was just a year old when we brought her home and was very uncomfortable and timid around humans. Portrait has come along way since we brought her home and is starting to exhibit a very sweet and loving personality. Our ultimate goal is to breed Boomer and Portrait. How exciting!
We enjoyed visiting with everyone at the family reunion. We pray God continues to bless you and keep you safe. Susie we missed you at the reunion but are very excited about welcoming you home.
Love to all, Debbie, Tim and Nicholas
From Susie
2004… where did the time go?
The Davidson household has certainly been active this year! It’s been the best of times and the worst of times (to borrow a quote)… it all started last Christmas as we spent the holiday in Virginia and I said goodbye to the kids the day after Christmas to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The kids stayed with their father and his wife Judy, and did very well. The traveled quite a bit, including D.C. for Spring Break, and of course Florida for the reunion and then off to the lake with Mike and Nancy for ski lessons. Their instructors were awesome, and the video I received had me yelling at the folks behind the boat, ‘tuck your butt in! straighten your back,… don’t bend your elbows!!..” it was great! Then of course they went back to school and finally over Thanksgiving weekend got to travel to Atlanta and onto Florida before coming out to Texas to meet me on 4 Dec. It is certainly great to be home!! Thanks to everyone that has supported and hosted them this past year, they gained so many great experiences through your patience and support! They are both making super grades, much better than when I left, and are engaged in extra activities as much as possible. Jennifer actually played in the Christmas concert here in Texas on Thursday after only two days in band class. I am so impressed with her abilities and confidence. I cannot begin to thank everyone for all the fabulous support you all gave me during this deployment. I seriously could not have been successful without your awesome support! It was a very good year for me professionally, I do love what I do, and although I missed my family tremendously, knowing they were all safe and helping each other, made it all the easier to complete my mission. I will, undoubtedly, talk about my experiences with all of you in the future, and there are some that I may never share, but the one thing that will always remain true, is I absolutely know how blessed I am to have the family I have! Not a day went by when I didn’t think of you all, knowing your prayers were with me in all I did! My year took me throughout Iraq, on very dangerous roads, into Turkey, Jordan and Kuwait. Each place has some awesome things to see, and I was afforded the opportunity to see quite a bit. The historical sites in Iraq are something to behold, from Ur, Abraham’s birthplace to Babylon to Mosul where Jacob is believed to be buried, plus the palaces and just the countryside alone. It has great potential for a place to visit, if their government gets settled down. There is still lots of work to be done there, but we have put them well on their way to stability. It will be their choice what they do with it.
It would be a HUGE mistake if I forgot to thank EVERYONE for the quilts you all helped make! I haven’t seen the finished product yet, we are planning on going to Florida in March, but the book sent along with the CD of photos made me cry for hours everytime I picked it up. I put it in my office and showed it off to anyone that would look, telling everyone it was the BEST gift anyone could have received. Most folks agreed as they were awed by it. Who knows what the next year will bring, but I take great comfort in knowing my family will be there for me when I need them. As I hope all of you know I’ll be there for you when you need me, please don’t hesitate to ask. I love you all and wish you every blessing! Please remember our troops this holiday season, and know that we count on your continued support! We have the best military ever, and are fortunate to have all those volunteers that help keep our freedom intact. I am very proud to serve, and do so for each of you! We will keep you all in our hearts this holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Merry Christmas, and may you have a very Blessed New Year!
We love you all!
Susie, Jennifer and Michael
From Dean
Dear Family,
This year marked our 5th year in Cleveland. Sometimes it’s hard to believe we’ve been here this long. While last year was spent renovating parts of the house, this year was mainly consumed with the day-in and day-out operations around our home.
Last month Carrie turned 3. We still can’t believe how fast she’s growing up and she’s quite the character. She loves to sing and dance and read her books aloud. She also believes she’s in charge of everything and is not shy about telling us when we’re wrong (which, according to her, is quite often)!
Tony turned 7 over the Thanksgiving weekend. He started first grade in August and his favorite subjects are science and math. He also loves to read! In his free time he loves to build new boats and cars and dinosaurs with his Lego. We think he’s preparing himself for a career designing new ships. Now if we only knew someone in the shipbuilding field
Anne has had an incredibly busy year. In addition to keeping our house in tip-top shape, she started a two-year term as Holy Cross School PTO president at the end of May. She’s constantly busy coordinating school activities, fundraisers, parent breakfasts and contributing to the school newsletter. She continues to be a room mom for Tony’s class and a school lunch monitor. In addition to all that, she still manages to keep up with her crafting.
Dean spent another year at NASA. This year was especially tumultuous in that not only is the agency still recovering from the Columbia accident, in January the President laid out a grand new agenda for the Agency and in March our center director decided to complete revamp the center’s organization. The new organizational structure, along with some budget problems due to our program’s goal not aligning itself with the presidential direction and overruns in other programs has made this year one of the more challenging years to be at NASA. So in order to relax, Dean’s renewed his interest in star-gazing. He purchased several pieces of equipment to help him relax under the stars (including a new telescope and a new tripod/mount for his old telescope). If all that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Dean was discerned into the Holy Cross Parish Council and will serve a 3 year term.
2004 marked the year where the kids were weaned from sesame street music. We had the good fortune to introduce them to those three great American troubadours: Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson. You haven’t lived until you hear your three-year-old daughter singing “Gone Country”!
We were very fortunate to be able to make it down to the Barthle family reunion this past July. It was great to see everyone and we were even able to sneak over and introduce the kids to the magic of Disney and Sea World. Carrie is constantly asking to go back to “Downtown Disney”. Michael and Jennifer flew with us and on the way back they spent a couple days on the shores of Lake Erie.
We want to personally thank everyone for your hospitality while we were in Florida and also for your support of Sue while she’s been overseas. The support you’ve shown her has been incredible! It’s awesome being part of such a family… sometimes you never know just how lucky you have it until things like this happen.
We wish you all the best for this holiday season and in the new year!
Love, Dean, Anne, Tony and Carrie
From Brian
2004 was yet another very eventful year in our journey.
The highlight was a trip to Europe. Vicki's brother Jim is working as an expatriot in Belgium, so we went to visit him over the Easter holidays. First, we went to Brussels, where we spent Holy Week. We toured the site of the Battle of Wateroo, and visited Ghent to do some cathedral and castle siteseeing. Then, on Easter Monday, we flew with Jim's family to Barcelona, Spain. We toured Barcelona for 3 days, visting their cathedrals, parks, olympic sites and waterfront. We loved Barcelona, but it was on to Lourdes, France. Believe me, Lourdes is a wonderful & holy place. Neither words or pictures do justice to the beauty there. After two days there, we flew back to Brussels tired, but inspired. We weren't done though. Having spent 2 weeks on "the Continent", we were ready to solo, going to Paris on the bullet train, without the in-laws for two days . There we saw Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. We also saw the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, where St. Catherine Laboure lies incorrupt, and the Chapel of St. Vincent De Paul, where the patron lies incorrupt--all I can say is "wow". By the time we flew back, we were reinvigorated like nothing we expected.
Of course the trip put the rest of the year behind schedule, so that is when the Air Force decided to move me. I moved to Maxwell AFB AL to teach at Squadron Officer School, the 5 week professional Military Education for Air Force Captains. I teach them leadership, followership, teamwork and problem solving; rather, they teach themselves and I evaluate how well they are doing. Something must be going right, since my flight in the class that graduated today won the "Chief of Staff" trophy by being the best in the class.
Vicki is still homeschooling John, Ben and Leo. She and Brian got involved in choir right away at St. Bede's in Montgomery. She is playing more of the military wife role at this base, with Brian being on faculty. With the new house, there are many decorating challenges as well as trips to the flea market.
John is continuing to press forward in many ways. He reached the Star rank in Boy Scouts before we left Dayton. He is also advancing well in his home studies, and is now taking art lessons, so he can develop his skills in the drawing he seems to always be doing.
Ben is also doing well. He crossed over to Boy Scouts, having earned his Arrow of Light in Webelos. After we got here, he advanced to Tenderfoot. Unfortunately, he has stopped taking guitar, but hopefully he will get interested again soon. We think he liked his teacher in Dayton a little too much to accept leaving him. Ben also got the log-awaited puppy in September - a lab mix named Coda. She is now 5 1/2 months old.
Leo is going strong in 2nd grade, taking care of his gerbil Midnight and preparing for his First Communion in April. Henry is reading already and is quite the handful.
And the best news of the year is when we heard that Susie was back home safe and sound.
Love Brian, Vicki, John, Ben, Leo and Henry
It is that time of the year again, Dan’s ready to get started on his yearly project for the family. He has done such a tremendous job with the newsletters year after year. THANKS SO MUCH for all you do to keep us all informed, and thanks to everyone who relays their own news. Some times that is the only time we hear what the other family members are doing. I now how much I look forward to reading what is happening with the other members of the family. What a SPECIAL family we have been born into. LOVE you all.
This year in the spring I traded in my 1994 Purple Chevy S-10 pick-up in on a 2001 Dodge Caravan, It has been great to be able to carry more than two little people and one adult at a time. Besides the grand kids are getting bigger every day. It was getting cramped in the pick up. It is taking some getting use to the higher gas mileage with the new 6 cylinder engine, and automatic. The Pick-up was 4 cylinder and sFrom Brian 2004 was yet another very eventful year in our journey.
I have been feeling okay this year. I had been seeing my doctor for the follow up of my surgery every three months, now I’m in a six month cycle. Next I’ll be able to go for a year for the next checkup. So far the tests have been coming back normal.
After having worn hard contact lenses for 38 years, I had Lasik surgery on my eyes, and it was very strange to wake up in the morning and be able to read the clock, without putting on glasses or contacts. I do need reading glasses for reading and close up vision. I had tried to avoid night time driving, but since the surgery, the night time driving is no problem.
At the present time, I am working part time with Lanny, mostly errands and some typing for him, and reminding him of when his bills are due. I have been working with him now for 10 years. Besides that I have two of the grand kids that need Grandma for her taxi service. Chris needs a ride from St. Leo Univ. to home usually a couple times a week. And I have been picking Jessica up at school and taking her to Sylvan in north Tampa, one afternoon a week. So it is great to have a dependable vehicle to make all the rounds.
Thom has been spending his time this year at the Doctors. He was diagnosed with scaradosis. And they are treating him with Quinine, so everything tastes different. He is beginning to get his appetite back. He has lost about 30 some pounds. He is still having pains in the abdominal area. (I still think his problem could be his gallbladder. ) But the doctors are checking everything but that. (Some of his symptoms are like the symptoms I had before I had my gallbladder taken out. What a difference it has made to have mine taken out.)
We can all Thank GOD that Susie has returned from the war front, safely. We are looking forward to visiting with her again soon.
Everyone have a GREAT Christmas Season and a Happy New Year.
Love to all.
From Mary
Well here it is another year and we are at it again, I hope everyone enjoyed there Holidays and had a great year.
Also wanted to give Uncle Dan a great Big thanks for doing this every year for us. As with mine I use it alot and keep in my kitchen so we can write down times of when we work or need to pick up kids from something. It is a great help. Lets see Chris graduated from High School and is now a full time student at St. Leo and with his scholarships and working on campus he is trying to pay his way. So yes he is still at home. ( As he says it is cheaper to stay at home then live on campus.). Tiffany is in Pasco Middle School and doing good. She still has Luke around to keep her going. (she says one class is too many with him.)
Joe is still with Alcoa and it is slow right now because of the hurricanes, at first they were busy until the second one came and then a third and then a fourth. So everyone scared to rebuild because maybe get torn right back down like after the first and some people rebuilded and boom number 2 came in and there goes what they just repaired. Hopefully it will pick back up for Him.
Well, I am still with Publix and hard to belive it is five years with them. At a new store in Cross Creek and Morris Bridge. It is a much slower then the other store. and really slow. At times I am bored but they say will get busier when they get the new subdivides bult near by (and from what i hear about 2 yrs). I am still told we are to have a store in Dade City in 2005. ( I hope). They are still working out land deals to where to build. (And do you know who will be the first to transfer to Dade City Store, Me).
The hurricanes hit us also at work the Second one was the worst we lost power at work for three days which of course all the cold stuff was spoiled and had to go I hated to see so much go to trash but like at home we were out of power for 4 days and kids hated it. after second day they went to Mom's to stay she still had power. And when back on had to get restock of fride and freezer stuff. The other Hurricanes just lost power a few hours and then back on. With our 2 1/2 acres we only lost 6 trees and a few tiles from the roof and my arch in the front with my planter it got messed up so will have to see about getting new one builted. Our days off work have been filled with clean up the back Yard with the down trees What a mess. But we are slowly getting there we are about 1/3 of the way back on cleaning up still have to get someone to redo tiles on roof but was told no be hurry because it is not as bad and with this manufactured home that here is steel beams on roof where the tiles came off and don't have to rush to replace. Thank goodness.
Kids lost a couple days of school and they have been working to make them up. Other then that not really too much has been going on.
So I will be say bye and sending our love and prayers to all. And by the time these get to everyone Susie should be home with all of us and enjoying the days with all. We have all missed her, and a few of her e-mails telling of the long walk to bathroom. Hit the kids not have the simple things we have now there with her. (And the hurricanes and no power woke them up). But we are all blessed with the family we have.
We hope everyone has a great new year and hope no more hurricanes so close to our familys.
Love you all and we send our prayers to all.
Mary, Joe, Chris & Tiffany
FROM THE JOE CARR FAMILY
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Well the 2004 year has been pretty uneventful in the Joe Carr family! So let’s see, we’ll start off with the girls. Baylee started the first grade this year. She was selected to be a part of Odyssey of the Mind for the primary group at her school. She’s pretty excited about that! She is in her 3rd year of dance at Song and Dance Studio. This year she chose to take beginner Jazz. Nichole started middle school. She made the honor roll for the first quarter. She is in beginning band learning how to play the flute. She is also a volunteer for the elementary school. Amy started the 10th grade. She is in her 5th year of band. Speaking of the band the Wesley Chapel Wildcat Marching Band was selected to play in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona for the 2005-06 game! So Amy and her mom will get to spend the 2006 New Year in Arizona. Her band also received straight Superiors at the Florida Band Masters Association marching competition. This is a great accomplishment for a school that is only 6 years old. GO WILDCATS! So if you ever get the opportunity to get out to Wildcat Stadium stay and watch the halftime show. She was also selected to be in the Winter Color Guard.
As for Amy and Joe; Joe finally received his retirement papers from the Air Force so he is officially retired as of June 2004. He is still at Kearney Development going on 5 years now. Amy is still with Frost Mgmt going on 17 years. She’s been very busy with the Wildcat Band. She was selected as the Secretary of the Wildcat Band Boosters. We also have 2 new members to our family this year. Joining Mickey and Dewey are Snoopy and Buster they are all Rat Terriers. So boys finally outnumber girls in our house. We hope that everyone had a safe and joyous 2004.
We wish everyone well.
Joe, Amy, Amy. Nichole, Baylee, Mickey, Dewey, Snoopy and Buster Carr
From Jerry
Happy Holidays everyone, where what the year gone it doesn’t seem possible that the year is almost over. We have had a wonderful year. Jerry after 17 year at Sheppard Electric he decided to explore a new career. He know is working for Westfield Homes since April as a Construction Manager and is loving it. I am working at WellCare and all I can say is it’s a job. Jessica is doing well and joined the Land O Lakes Lightning swim team this year and did wonderful, she really likes to swim. She is doing well in school and going to Sylvan Learning Center for extra help (Grandma Carr is a great big help in getting her there). Noah is doing well and is playing soccer this year and doing great, he likes it so much he is talking about joining a competitive team. He is doing well in school and seams to really like it with the exception of the righting part. We still live in the same small house but looking for property to build on Jerry really does not want to move in subdivision if we don’t have to. Well I hope everyone has had a wonderful year and has a blessed holiday.
God Bless All
Love
Jerry, Kelly, Jessica and Noah
From Kathy
Hello all;
I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. Justin is in the 10th grade this year at Freedom High in Tampa Palms. He is on the wrestling team again and doing very well. For his birthday, he got a 1965 Mustang from all of his parents. He was shocked!! In July, Kelly and Justin took a fishing trip to Alaska. Justin caught a 105lb Halibut and a 52lb Salmon. They had such a wonderful time and we now have plenty of fish in the freezer. Hunter is in 4th grade this year and is doing very well. His teacher is very impressed with how smart he is and how helpful he is with the other students. He is in the Chorus and Star Performers at school. Hunter is playing soccer this year. He loves it. He and Noah are on the same team and have not lost a game yet. Sierra is growing very quickly. She is in kindergarten and making lots of friends. She will be 6yrs old in January. This is her 4th year in Tap and Ballet. She is also taking Hip-Hop this year and loves it. In October, I took a trip to New York City with Rebecca, Imelda and Paula. I had the best time. Rebecca is such an awesome guide. We saw so much in a short time. I can’t wait to go back. Thank you all for making the trip so memorable for me. I am still working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and I started working at University Community Hospital in Carrolwood a few months ago. I mainly work with two spine doctors. Kelly’s job is still going very well. Kelly went to Missouri in November on a hunting trip. He had a wonderful time. It's hard to believe another year has passed. I hope you are all doing well and please know that you are all in our hearts.
Love,
Kelly, Kathy, Justin, Hunter and Sierra Himes
“Merry Christmas Everyone”
As you all know the years have a way of flying by and this year is no exception. The older we get the faster time passes. Dan and I can remember as children thinking an hour’s wait was like a day and a year seemed like a lifetime. It seems to us that it was only yesterday when our children Laurie and Danny were born, and in a few short minutes they grew, married and had children of their own. Then it happened, in what seemed like a very short time Danny’s daughter Briana was married in March at a young age and had a little girl of her own, named Halli. Halli was born on August 19th, weighing in at 8 lbs 1 ½ oz, quite a big girl for Briana who is so tiny. All in all, you know what that means???? Yes, Dan and I are Great Grandparents and our baby Danny is a Grandpa!!!! Our young Grandson Evan is an Uncle! Wow! A sad note, Please say a prayer for Briana’s stepbrother Cody who is in a coma after a very tragic car accident over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thanks
Looking back over this past year, it was really good to us and we are also blessed. Dan traveled quite a bit, taking the motor home to Florida in May, Barbara to Florida in July for the reunion, then Dan flying back to California with Nicholas in mid July, and by late July (Nicholas stayed with Barbara) Dan was on a flight with Evan heading to Hawaii for two nights then on to Kwajalein Island (that is part of the Marshall Islands just north of the equator, about twenty-five hundred miles west of Hawaii) to visit with Danny for ten days. Leaving Kwajalein he and Evan stopped in Hawaii for two more days before flying back to LAX. By mid August he was again on a flight this time with Nick back to Florida, so Nicholas could catch a flight home to New York to start School. Dan rode out Hurricane Frances at Ralph and Paula’s, but the Saturday before Hurricane Jeanne hit, he ran (well flew), out of Tampa to Atlanta then on to California for about two week before flying back to Florida. By early November he took the motor home back to California.
Evan is now 11 years old and is into Soccer and Little League Baseball. He prefers Baseball and is a real good player. He is in the outfield. He has gotten to become a very good soccer player and we enjoy going to his games. He loves school and is doing well in his grades. It’s great having him live close, so we get to see him often. He had a blast in the Islands with Danny and Grandpa. We hope to go again next year and bring Nicholas with us too!
The weekend before Thanksgiving found both of us on a flight to New York to spend Thanksgiving with Laurie and family. We had a great time, bringing back memories of Barbara’s Thanksgivings in the colder climate of NY. Actually, it was colder in Ridgecrest than in NY. It went down into the teens when we were gone!!! Laurie and Barbara took a real early train into NYC the day after we arrived. Laurie had gotten tickets to the “Regis and Kelly Live Show”! They had a great time. Mother and Daughter loose in the “Big Apple”. It has been many years since they were able to have an outing like that, taking subways, (The only way to get across town quickly) and walking all over NYC. They even went to Toys R Us in Times Square where they have a full size working Ferris wheel, right in the middle of the store! Laurie, Rhapsody, Dan and I went into the City again the following Monday and went to “Ground Zero”. An experience that was very emotional and hard to take. We were pretty moved by seeing this as the last time we went to the city was when all of us Dan, JR, Laurie, Nick, Evan, Rebecca ,Travis and myself were on top of the World Trade Center at the end of July 2002. A time we will never forget!
Nicholas is now 14 and is a really good kid, except like most teens, he seems to forget there is homework to do and would rather be into the computer or Playstation or Gameboy Cube games. He does seem to enjoy reading books though! He also loves to win at Monopoly and is really into buying Park Place with hotels!! Rhapsody is now 1 year old and is really into letting her Mom chase her around all day. She loves to say “Shesh” and shakes her head no! Barbara taught her how to give kisses to her Grandma and alas, both of them caught colds! Not sure who gave it to who!!
We had a great time with Nick and Rhapsody, JR and Laurie, it was sad to have to leave but they will be here for Christmas. We had hoped Danny could make it home, but the “Missile Trackers” work never seems to end, which helps keep us safe too! He is very busy, with many overtime hours.
The best moment of the year is when Susie landed safely in the “Good Ole USA” and is home enjoying the comforts and spending time with her children and soon the rest of this Great Family. I’m so glad we got to be a part of “Susie’s Quilt”. Thank you melda for a truly wonderful idea and for all the hard work that the rest of the family put into making a truly beautiful quilt and a very moving experience. This is one that will be remembered for all of our lifetimes. We also want to take the time to thank Paula and Ralph for all of their warm hospitality when we were all there camped in their backyard for the Family Reunion and when Dan visited throughout the year. Another big Thank You to Melda, Jack, Cinda, Ben, Paula and Ralph for hosting and making Dan’s 60th Birthday a Very Special One! Dan was totally taken by surprise!! You took time out of a very busy time, with the Quilt, and the reunion to surprise Dan, and Thanks to all who were able to come and help Dan Celebrate! It was Great! Another special Thank You to Monica and Herman for another wonderful family reunion.
This is Barbara’s last year after 27 years with the US Government; She is retiring as a Contract Specialist on January 6th, 2005. We will both be able to travel together now and enjoy this second part of our lives, spending more time with family and Grand Children, which we enjoy more and more. We wish all of you much love and best wishes spending time with your individual families over not only the holidays, but always.
May God Bless each and every one! “Merry Christmas” and a “Blessed New Year”!
Dan & Barbara
From Laurie
Hello from New York!
This year has not been as busy as the last. We are still kind of settling into our home. And settling into having a toddler running around too! Last winter was not as white as it had been in the past years, it was however, very, very, very cold. Coldest one we have had since we have been here. Dad seemed really surprised by his birthday party. I was glad that so many of you could make it. The family reunion was a great success. We had some new faces; it was nice to see the old ones as well. I really enjoyed seeing everyone again. We are heading to California for Christmas this year. Both our parents are there so we get to visit with both families. It will be nice to see old friends as well.
Nick was quite the traveler this summer. He flew to Florida a week before the reunion, where he spent his time with grandma and grandpa. Evan was able to be there as well, Nick sure does miss his cousin. After the reunion he went to Orlando to visit with his Oma and Opa for a few days. From there he flew out to California. He and Evan were able to spend quite a lot of time together. Nick’s dad was able to go to Ridgecrest for a couple of days while grandma was on travel, grandpa was with Evan visiting Danny, and JR’s parents were here visiting us in New York. After Evan started school Nick and grandpa flew back to Florida for a few days. Nick got back to New York just in time to start school. Nick is in the eighth grade this year. Every year school seems to be getting harder…on me. Nick got his braces off this October. His teeth look great!
Rhapsody is growing up so fast. She stood up all by herself and took her first official steps at 10 months. She had 8 teeth around the same time. We had her first birthday party with the neighbor kids and friends. She seemed to really enjoy having all the kids here. She has not really said too much in the way of real words, but I thought she had come up to me one day and said “HI” turned around and walked away. She does like the “s” sounds, she shakes her head “no”, laughs and runs away. I think she is pretty smart. If you have your hand facing palm down and she wants to give you something, she will grab your hand turn it over and then place the object in your palm. She also enjoys watching her “Baby Einstein” DvD’s. Rhapsody loves to go shopping with me; she will just sit in her stroller while I push her all around the stores. I think she likes seeing all the different people and things. She has been in relatively good health; she has had one ear infection and now has a sinus infection. She will be over the sinus infection in time to travel to California. This trip will be her second plane ride; her first airplane ride was going to the reunion. She had her first “Hudson River Cruise Boat” ride this summer while JR’s parents were here. While my parents were here she rode her first train and subways in New York.
JR is continuing to do such a great job for Mediacom, they have promoted him again! He is now Group Vice President of IP Services. Mediacom is keeping him very busy these days. JR has done some traveling this year. We have had a couple of BBQ’s this summer, inviting JR’s staff to the house. Everyone seems to look forward to “Pictionary”. JR’s parents were able to visit this summer. Well, they came to see the kids, we were an added bonus. We took a cruise down the Hudson River just past West Point and back, it was a nice little trip.
As most of you know, I did not return to an 8 to 5 job out of the home, but have stayed on to do the 24/7 job in the home taking care of Rhapsody. I think it was a lot easier going to a job outside of the home. I do not know how I was able to go to work and take care of Nick all those years as a single parent. I have really enjoyed spending the time with Rhapsody. I am home when Nick gets home and try to help him with his homework. Mom and dad finally came here to spend time with Rhapsody. While they were here, mom and I went to the city to see “Live with Regis and Kelly”, that was a lot of fun. We saw Fantasia (too bad it was not Diana) and we got to see Colin Farrell as well. Mom, dad, Rhapsody and I went to the city another day and went to Ground Zero, it was amazing.
It is still great to hear what everyone has been up to during the year, keep the news coming. We are thankful for the many blessings we have had throughout the year. Keep praying for all of our troops still over seas. We wish everyone the very best Holiday Season. May God bless you now and in the New Year.
Getting a chance to see and visit with our "Barthle" cousins was truly special. Many thanks to Melda for coordinating with them so they could join us. And many, many thanks to Monica and Herman for hosting us all lakeside once again. Melda always has the best ideas! The idea of a surprise quilt for Susie while on tour in Iraq was truly one of the most fun extended family projects anyone could imagine. There is a lot of talent and creativity in our family we didn't realize (not a surprise, however!). And seeing that it was able to be pulled together into not one, but two beautiful quilts was so rewarding. Margie, your "piano keys" with everyone's names was so amazing. Melda, thank you so much for all your efforts and for giving us so many special memories.
The best news, of course, is that Susie is now safely home and reunited with her wonderful Jen and Michael. We can't wait for her to see (and take possession of) the quilts when she gets down to FLA...presently scheduled for the March 2005 timeframe, I believe.
We were privileged to attend Susie's welcome home ceremony last weekend at Ft. Hood, TX. This was an emotional event that is truly beyond description. We are sooo proud of her and all those serving our country. We continue to pray for all who serve and have served on our behalf.
In May, Ben was asked to be a guest conductor at the school in Brunswick, GA where he taught band 30 years ago. Mickey, the band director that replaced him back then, invited Ben (and Denzil, Ben's predecessor) to take part in Mickey's retirement concert. Alexa and Rebecca also arranged to come to Brunswick at that time to see their father conduct. It was a very special time for us all.
Another of the big highlights of this year for us was a wedding. Rebecca was married to Jacade Long (her longtime sweetheart) in October. Alexa hosted a fabulous bridal tea party for Rebecca earlier in the month. The wedding ceremony was held outdoors on a lake on a beautiful fall day in Griffin, GA. Rebecca and Jacade honeymooned in Cozumel, Mexico. Rebecca still works for the local newspaper in Jackson, GA, and Jacade is a firefighter there as well.
We are enjoying the grandparent role so much. We were fortunate to have Alexa, Chris, Ryan and Cleo (Boston Terrier) in Atlanta at the time of Ryan's first birthday. He really seemed to enjoy the balloons, presents, and his first taste of cake! We are so blessed that the Lupfer's have moved back to Charlotte from Baltimore...so they are now within a short day's driving distance.
Ben and I are winding up our careers at Delta next week...Ben after 23 years, and myself after 35 years. It will be a new experience to perhaps have time to do many of the things we have only dreamed of until now. We are so blessed to have all of you in our family. Please have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy year in 2005.
Much love to you all,
Cinda and Ben
I’ll refer you to Rebecca's and Rob's messages for more details of the excitement in our lives. Having Rebecca and Travis back in Florida is the best even though Charlie, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, all paid us a visit soon after they moved back here. The Trues' new puppy is so cute . . . she could be a model!
Suffice it to say that this new chapter in our lives as "Grands" is wonderful and I treasure each moment of it. Rob and Casey are great parents (they unselfishly share Laney with me!). We are proud of them as parents and of Rob in his career change after 17 years at USF. Casey posted a 20-4 record as the first year varsity girls basketball coach at Academy of the Holy Names. She is off to another terrific season again this year.
It was fun surprising Dan for his birthday. Can you believe we were able to pull it off right under his nose and he not even notice! Monica and Herman hosted another great family reunion. The hot weather wasn’t ordered, but those of you who took advantage of the cool water in the lake didn’t seem to mind a bit.
Jack and I celebrated a night at Bern’s in August together with Rebecca & Travis, Rob, Casey and Laney to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary. Paula, Kathy and I joined Rebecca for a weekend in NYC the latter part of October. It was Kathy's first time in the BIG city and what a treat it was to spend the weekend together and make lots of wonderful memories.
Congratulations to Mike Petters on his promotion . . . is a tribute to his hard work.
I’m looking forward to celebrating Cinda’s and Ben’s retirement from Delta later this week in Atlanta. I’m proud of them both and a little (no, a lot) envious as well. They have worked very hard to have earned the privilege of retiring at such a young age. They deserve only the best in the years to come.
We are thankful that we were spared any damage by the hurricanes and continue to pray for those who suffered damage or losses. We also pray for peace and the safety of all our soldiers who are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect this great country. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season and a healthy and happy new year!
Love, Melda and Jack
From Rebecca
All things considered, 2004 has been a good year and a year of many firsts. In May, we welcomed Laney Reese into the Higgins family. She’s absolutely adorable and we’re thrilled to be a first time aunt and uncle. In June, we traveled to Asia for the first time ---Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. It was an incredible trip and an amazing part of the world to see.
In July, we sold our apartment in New York and relocated to Florida in mid-August just in time for hurricane season - clearly a first for Florida. During our first 5 weeks in Florida, we were without power for 15 days and cable TV / Internet for weeks longer. We completely missed the Summer Olympics and at least the first month of football season. Luckily we fared well with minimal damage compared to a lot of people in our area. The aftermath of each hurricane was very much like camping out and some of us are not the happiest campers!
We started October with another first, a new addition to our family - a GoldenDoodle puppy named Reagan. She’s growing very fast and has more energy than we can keep up with. We also moved into our new home in Orlando and have been spending a fair amount of free time at Home Depot doing our part to keep their business thriving. The girls squeezed in a quick trip to New York City in October, too - lots of sightseeing, shopping, and fun - a first trip to NYC for one of us! We’re headed to Belize (another first) for a little fun in the sun and much needed relaxation over the Christmas holidays. Mom and Dad are going to have a first of their own while we’re away - a week of “quality time” with their first Grand Pup! I don’t think they fully understand what they’re in for!
We have so much to be thankful for this year. A huge thank you and hug to Susie for her hard work and sacrifice this year. Welcome Home!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year
From Rob
Dear Family:
2004 proved to be an incredible year for our family. In February, Casey completed coaching her first varsity basketball season with an unbelievable record of 20 wins and 4 losses. In May, I accepted the position of Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. It's an exciting opportunity for me to lead the organization that brings sporting events of all sizes to Tampa.
On May 26th, we gave birth to our first child, Laney Reese Higgins. She weighed 6 lbs and 15 oz. Casey is my hero for what she went through that day. She is a fantastic wife and mother, that never ceases to amaze me. Laney means everything to us and her grand parents. She changes everyday and is a truly special baby. Because Casey teaches, she was able to spend the whole summer with Laney.
The fall brought more personality and smiles to Laney, and a return to school for Casey. At work, we were able to secure the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds, the 2009 Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, and a college football game in 2005 with Florida A&M University, which had not played in Tampa since a bitter split in 1996.
We're busy getting ready for Laney's first Christmas and for the new house we have decided to build, in addition to being in the middle of Casey's basketball season (she is currently undefeated....6 and 0). To insure that we would have good neighbors when we move into our new place, we have decided to pack up my parents and move them next door to us whenever our new house is ready. My parents have been instrumental in helping take care of our daughter and we feel extremely fortunate and grateful to have them in close proximity to us.
We wish everyone a great holiday season and best of luck in 2005! Sincerely,
Rob, Casey, and Laney Higgins
In spite of this fact that this year has been a tremendous opportunity for growth (interpretation: challenging!), there are so many things we are thankful for.
I am thankful for our wonderful family and the diversity within our family -- we have so many different talents and points of view! So many different ways of serving our fellow man. I am so proud of my children and their spouses, my brothers and sisters and their spouses, my nieces and nephews! What a wonderful family we have!
I am thankful for our mostly wonderful Florida weather! I am thankful God protected us from harm during this hurricane season.
I am thankful for the freedom and availability to travel by air! It would be difficult to see Mandi and her family without that! I can't begin to imagine how Grandma or Grandpa Carlson felt when they left their homes for America! What courageous ancestors we have! I can't imagine how Mom must have felt when she had to leave her Mom and Dad and come to Florida to live!
I am thankful for good health. Although Herman has had some challenges this year, he and I both have much to be thankful for in this department!
I am thankful for email! What a wonderful vehicle for keeping in touch!
I am thankful we still have jobs. Both farming and IT are in uncertain times, and yet we continue on!
I pray that in the coming year we will have additional opportunities to enjoy each other's company! May God continue to bless each and every one of you!
Love,
Herman and Monica
From Shelley
Well folks we have a first this year… Both Darrell and I have had the same jobs since the last newsletter. I know I was shocked too! You know I always read where some family member says “same job, same place, new year”. We have never really had that. Every year at least one of us switched jobs, sometimes career fields, sometimes multiple times in one year, sometimes the both of us at once. So, this year although very busy, has been somewhat less stressful in some respects than years past. I am comfortable in my position at Diversified Drilling as Office Administrator and love being so close to home. I have also started working at the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center from 6:30 to 7:30 every morning. I love spending time with the kids. I comfort, feed, and maintain order (sometimes) in the 2 to 5 year old group, which includes Hunter so I have a lot of fun seeing him interact with his friends. Darrell enjoys the people he works with and loves the work he is doing on commercial and industrial air compressors for Air Centers of Florida, his only complaint is the extensive driving but every job has a downside. As you all know my Mother has five children by blood, but as you may not know she has adopted in her heart countless other children over the years. I have always felt like these are my extended sisters and brothers. I could name five right off the top of my head. They are all like family and their tragedies and triumphs feel like my own at times. In March of this year an old friend, Brian Gilbert was killed at the ripe old age of 30 in an industrial accident. Brian was closer to Jon and Natalie than myself over the past few years but I truly felt a deep sense of loss with his death. On the positive side this year our friends Tricia and Jason Bloxsom have finally after years of trying become pregnant. We ask for your continued prayers and we all rejoice in their blessings Lord. *PRE TEEN ALERT* Luke has started Middle School!!! He is really enjoying his newly found freedom as well as learning to handle the additional responsibilities.
He has been very active in his FFA Chapter and is looking forward to the time when he can have an animal project. Luke really wanted to buy an FFA jacket this year so we told him that was fine with us but that he would need to pay for at least half of it himself. He decided to participate in a fundraiser selling FFA calendars. As an incentive the kids were told that for every 10 calendars they sold they would receive a $10 gift certificate for the FFA Merchandise of their choice. Luke sold $288 in calendars a full $100 more than anyone else. As top seller they decided he should get the entire jacket for free plus he received tickets to the IMAX Theater. He was thrilled and we were very proud of his efforts and the payoff!!! He also played little league again in San Antonio this year and his team won their division with only one loss all season. Luke has graduated to the next level of baseball for next year and his coach told him with tears in his eyes in front of the whole team that he would miss him next year. He was very honored. He is quickly becoming a young man and we are very proud of him. He continues to hunt and fish with us and loves the great outdoors. He definitely seems to be a farmer at heart I think Grandpa would be very pleased. He has a girlfriend her name is Logan and he is very proud of her. He is very respectful of her and that I like a lot. We love you Luke!!!
Hunter is… Well Hunter! He is just shy of 4 years old and he is everywhere in everything all the time. He is both outgoing and shy, bold and reserved, loud and well ok he’s just loud, but we love him a ton!!! He loves his friends, Morgan, Coleman, Dawson, Abby and Holly. He also loves his cousins - he talks about them all constantly. He loves to play with Dylan, as well as Lane and Chase when he can. He thinks Jay D Poo (Jayden) is the sweetest thing. He rides his bike like he’s in a NASCAR race, runs like the wind and is always going a hundred miles an hour in multiple directions at once - his only other speed is asleep. Thank goodness for that! He still has asthma but it has been somewhat better this year. He has finally completed his speech therapy, which was a prayer answered - AMEN!!! Like most kids his age he loves Spiderman, Sponge Bob and Scooby Doo but he also loves reading books, Veggie Tales and going to church. He’s a good boy and we are proud of him too.
Well a few last things… In mid October my Dad was hospitalized for several days due to cardiac problems triggered by getting compressed while working on a project at Daytona International Speedway. We were extremely concerned. We were concerned to the point that Mandi flew in, he is now as healthy as a horse and back to his stubborn ole self, but I wanted to take a moment to tell all the prayer “warriors” in this family, Thank You for all your prayers and support. Without you all we would feel lost in times of trouble. We are also excited that Mandi will be able to bring her family here for Christmas this year. We love them and can’t wait to get to see them all! We were excited that Susie has been returned safely to US soil on Saturday, December 4th. We are honored to have her as a part of our family! LASTLY, after years of looking, we finally found a piece of property that both Darrell and I loved and that we could afford. We closed on November 22nd after much drama from the seller. We hope to have it cleared by summer and maybe, God willing, be starting to build by late next year. It is located off of US 301 just North of Highway 50 in Webster. We are very thankful that the Lord has blessed us with the honor of caring for a piece of his Earth. My goal for 2005 is to “Whisper my complaints and Shout my praises”. Lord I ask that you help us all to follow your plan even when we don’t understand. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I ask this in your name Lord. AMEN!!! May God continue to bless each and every one of you!
Love, The Oliver’s Darrell, Shelley, Luke and Hunter
From Natilie
Well once again the year has flown by. This year was packed with change..
First and foremost..Jon and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on January 27. Jayden Kylee Parsons was born at 12:12pm and was 7lbs 3oz. She has strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes and is definately her daddy's girl. She is getting so big, so fast. She tries to walk and chases the boys around the house as fast as she can. She is a joy to have in our family!
Jon and I also gave ourselves an early Christmas present...WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! It is a 5 bedroom 2 bath about 2500sqft. We also have a detached shop that will be converted into a bigger gameroom for the kids later on. I have a HUGE laundy/quilting room, with plenty of room for all my stuff. The kids have a gameroom inside for now, but I would like to turn it into a media room for us to watch movies and hang out. Everyone has their own room and I have my own office....It is wonderful. Jon's parents lived with us for a few months untill they could close on their new house...that was a learning experience...one I would never repeat!
In March, after TWO LONG YEARS, of trying to get Chris to sign divorce papers, we finally came to an agreement. We signed on the 1st of March and it was finalized on March 9th. As soon as I got the call that it was in the court records, Jon and I went and got our marriage license and got married 4 days later. Dylan is still a red head!! I can't stress this enough...red heads are a different kind of child. He is kind and giving and always looking out for everyone else.....he just does it with more energy than any normal child should have! He didn't get to start school this year because of his birthday being late. But he is looking forward to going to school with Ty next year.
Ty is in the 3rd grade and still in advanced everything. He is making all A's, with the exception of one B this last quarter. He loves being a big brother to his new sister! He has already said that NO boys will step foot in our driveway.....and I believe him! He was chosen at school for the instrumental program. Out of 300+ kids only 30 get picked. He went to tryouts and did REALLY well. He found out a week later that he was picked. He has his first concert on Dec. 9. Now he really wants a drum set so he can practice at home...I'm still thinking about that one. After I had Jayden, we decided that I should stay home and save on daycare for her and Dylan. So after attending a Princess House Party, given by a friend, I decided to give sales a try again. I started selling Princess House Products in February and STILL love it! I have gotten several awards and prizes for sales. I like that I can stay home during the day and make money, and get out of the house, at night. I have met some WONDERFUL people and made some great money to help with bills. I also had lithrotripsey done in May to help with my kidney problems. I'm glad to report that I have had no more problems since. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Jon only got to go hunting a couple of times this year, because it has been crazy. We are planning a trip to the camp in Georgia, the last week of the year. So Jon can hunt and I can relax. He is still working for his dad. Which has gotten easier since they aren't living with us any more. Unfortunately, exactly one week after Jayden was born, we received unexpected news. Jons bestfriend had been killed that morning at work. He worked in a steel plant in Plant City and worked on the train. We still aren't sure what exactly happened, we just know that he went to move a train car and a few minutes later they found him under one of the cars. Brian and his wife had been together for almost 13 years and had just had their first child four months before. It is still hard to go to group get togethers and him not be there. We have learned to cherish every minute because you never know what could happen.
Well that is it from the Parsons household. We want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!
Love you all!
Natalie, Jon, Ty, Dylan, And Jayden
From Mandi
Happy Hello from North Carolina,
Was this year slow or what? just kidding. Here is the short and sweet version of our year. Billy made a career change in October. He is now working for Deere Hitachi, making giant excavators. He loves his new job and loves even more that he gets to be home at night with us. Lane continues to impress us with his knowledge of everything....yes I said everything. If you ask him, he is 5 years old and he IS an adult. That is always a fun debate. Lane played soccer for the first time this year and loved it. We had a few close calls when Chase tried to run on to the field to help his brother. Chase a.k.a. Captain Destructo just turned two and is living up to his name. Chase leaves me speechless...which is near impossible, but it still happens. The boys are such a wonderful blessing. I am still with Aon and in January was promoted to a Specialist Writer. I love my new responsibilities and really enjoyed handing off some of the old ones. We made several trips to FL this year and we want to thank Mom and Herman for always having an open door policy. May you be as blessed as we are and may God smile on you everyday of the year.
Love,
Mandi, Billy, Lane and Captain Destructo...I mean Chase
Greetings to All
Well, here we are again, wondering how another year can pass so quickly. Lots of ups and downs, typical. The assignment of Susie to Iraq engaged those on the “home front” into “operation supply line”. Sending emails of love and support and packages of essential survival materials became priority one. Searching high and low for things Susie needed was a labor of love, whose contributors felt no effort was too much.
In April, Paula’s dad, George, and her uncle Sy, both had open heart surgery. No they are not brothers, but they are married to sisters…..oh no! Uncle Sy recovered with few complications, and George had few set-backs but is doing very well now. Having George and Margie (Tubbs) nearby makes it very nice, really!
Also in April, we were able to check off several items from the “home projects” list. The biggest one was a new kitchen. Big difference. The east bathroom was being re-modeled about the same time too. That project took longer (we did some of the work ourselves), and sort of completed it in August/September. Still a few small items to complete though. Thanks to Herman and Monica for again hosting the family reunion. All the preparation, work and expense that go into these events are truly appreciated. Having many of our cousins there was a highlight, and I think they enjoyed it too. The display of Susie’s quilts was of course, the focal point of the day. It was an emotional experience not to be forgotten. Thanks to all who contributed their creativity and labor on this amazing project. Thanks to Melda for getting it all started and seeing it through. I know Susie and her family will cherish it for the rest of their lives. Awesome! Another benefit during the year of a family reunion is Dan spending some time in Florida. Having him here is a real treat. Mike, Nancy, Sarah and Caroline invited us to join them at “the lake” for the first week in August. Jennifer and Michael Davidson were also there, and we had a wonderful time, boating, skiing, eating and playing air hockey. Thanks to our hosts for their hospitality. We have a DVD to relive the skiing and tubing fun, the wipeouts, the flips, the shark starts, etc. In October, Melda, Rebecca, Kathy and Paula made a “girls” trip to New York City for a weekend. They packed a lot into a short time.
And, the big event of the year, in December, Cinda, Ben and Paula met Jennifer, Michael, Tim, Debbie, and Nicholas in Texas to welcome Susie home from Iraq. Paula said seeing her is incredible. Ralph says just knowing she is back home safe is incredible! Prayer works!
All in all, it was a pretty good year. Our love to everyone.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Ralph and Paula