What is love? Webster defines it as, "a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend." Today, at the funeral of my Aunt Eunice, we definitely felt love. Aunt Eunice, my moms sister, died last Saturday. She had been in the hospital in Wichita for almost two weeks.
When I think of Aunt Eunice I think of several things. I remember her love of dancing. She was quick to laugh at a joke (and tell one), drink a beer with family, play cards, and be with her family. And, today at her funeral she was with family. Not only the family members in attendance: children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews but also those family members that went before. This included her mom and dad, sisters, granddaughter and others.
While we grieve her loss, we should also be thankful for her faith in God. The minister mentioned her confirmation verse several times. I believe it was Revelation 2:10, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Not only faithful to her God, she was also faithful in marriage. Her and Uncle Lawrence were married 66 years. No, that is not a typo. 66 years.
I believe her granddaughter Joclyn said it best in a Facebook post the day she died:
The past week has been filled with many tears, fear, hope, memories and laughter....4 generations, 4 different pastors, and many friends gathered around Grandma Winter. It's a testament to her life and to her being such a wonderful person. She left this world with more faith and love than most can only dream to have. After 67 years of marriage, Grandpa never left her side. She will be terribly missed but she is whole again and I will always remember her smile, strength and her love of God & family. We will all treasure her memory. Bella said it best..."I will miss my white haired grandma."
Yes, Bella, we will all miss your white haired grandma.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
A Lasting Legacy
Last Thursday, July 23, would have been Dad's 95th birthday. I had lots of memories that day. I remembered some of his other birthdays we celebrated. One that really stood out was his 80th. We had an open house for him in Medicine Lodge and had a good turnout. Lots of family and friends attended. Dad always told us kids that when he was growing up birthdays were not that big of deal. He said his parents would tell them Happy Birthday in the morning ant that was about all the celebrating that would be done. They had a special 'birthday' plate that they got to use for the day. After him and mom were married, and especially after us kids came along, his birthday was always celebrated. We made up for missed birthdays!
All of us have special memories of our dad. A few weeks ago I was together with my siblings. My question for them was what was the best advice you ever got from dad? Nola replied, " When dad was trying to teach me to drive we went to the park. The car we were in had a standard transmission. I never did get the hang of starting out smooth and kept jerking when we would go. We got back to the house and dad looked at me and said 'Always buy a car with an automatic transmission.' " Ann and Cathy both responded by saying, "Dad and mom always told us to treat others the way we would want to be treated." Larry said when he was getting ready to leave for college at Pittsburg Dad told him, "There are good girls and bad girls. Make sure you find the good ones." And myself, when I was dating Susan, Dad found out she was working three jobs at the time. He told me, "Son, you got a good one. Don't let her get away." I didn't Dad. When will celebrate 25 years in a little over a month.
I think we all learned the Golden Rule from mom and dad. And, I think we have a done a pretty good job in the way we have treated others. We had good teachers. I have tried to pass along those ideals to my own kids. Sometimes it is hard, but it is well worth it in the end. Happy Birthday, Dad! Love ya and miss ya.
Ivan
All of us have special memories of our dad. A few weeks ago I was together with my siblings. My question for them was what was the best advice you ever got from dad? Nola replied, " When dad was trying to teach me to drive we went to the park. The car we were in had a standard transmission. I never did get the hang of starting out smooth and kept jerking when we would go. We got back to the house and dad looked at me and said 'Always buy a car with an automatic transmission.' " Ann and Cathy both responded by saying, "Dad and mom always told us to treat others the way we would want to be treated." Larry said when he was getting ready to leave for college at Pittsburg Dad told him, "There are good girls and bad girls. Make sure you find the good ones." And myself, when I was dating Susan, Dad found out she was working three jobs at the time. He told me, "Son, you got a good one. Don't let her get away." I didn't Dad. When will celebrate 25 years in a little over a month.
I think we all learned the Golden Rule from mom and dad. And, I think we have a done a pretty good job in the way we have treated others. We had good teachers. I have tried to pass along those ideals to my own kids. Sometimes it is hard, but it is well worth it in the end. Happy Birthday, Dad! Love ya and miss ya.
Ivan
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Happy Birthday, Mom!! Hope you are enjoying your 87th in Heaven. Can't believe it has been seven years since we celebrated with you last. So much has happened since I could last talk to you face to face. It is still a struggle at times with both you and dad being gone, but I know you are in a better place.
Susan and I are both doing good. I am still with Hammel Scale, almost 25 years now! Susan works at the school as a custodian and does concessions for the sports seasons. We have done some work in the yard already and I think we are both more than ready for all of our flowers to be up and blooming. I am sure we will add to the gardens as we always try to find a new perennial to plant.
Madison is almost finished with her second year of college. She is attending Fort Hays and I think she likes it there. She still plans to be a teacher and eventually a counselor. She will be great. She still dates the same boy she has for almost 6 years. She must like him a little. She works in the financial aid department at Hays. She enjoys her work. She is also starting to get a green thumb! She has worked up a flower bed in front of her house. We sent some lilies and naked ladies back with her and she worked until after dark to get them in the ground. I am happy she likes plants, it can be very enjoyable and stress relieving. She is really growing into a beautiful woman.
Hannah is finishing up her Freshman year of high school! She has experienced so much this year. She was involved in volleyball and basketball. She did a great job. She ended up Second Team All-League in basketball. Quite the honor! She takes great pride in getting her school work done and keeping her grades up to stay eligible to play sports. She also went to prom last week. Her date was James Stout. I am sure you remember him. You were around some when Susan was babysitting. She is really growing up, becoming a beautiful young lady. You would be very proud of both of the girls.
Have a wonderful day. Give Dad a squeeze and kiss from all of us. Love you and miss you like crazy!
Ivan
Susan and I are both doing good. I am still with Hammel Scale, almost 25 years now! Susan works at the school as a custodian and does concessions for the sports seasons. We have done some work in the yard already and I think we are both more than ready for all of our flowers to be up and blooming. I am sure we will add to the gardens as we always try to find a new perennial to plant.
Madison is almost finished with her second year of college. She is attending Fort Hays and I think she likes it there. She still plans to be a teacher and eventually a counselor. She will be great. She still dates the same boy she has for almost 6 years. She must like him a little. She works in the financial aid department at Hays. She enjoys her work. She is also starting to get a green thumb! She has worked up a flower bed in front of her house. We sent some lilies and naked ladies back with her and she worked until after dark to get them in the ground. I am happy she likes plants, it can be very enjoyable and stress relieving. She is really growing into a beautiful woman.
Hannah is finishing up her Freshman year of high school! She has experienced so much this year. She was involved in volleyball and basketball. She did a great job. She ended up Second Team All-League in basketball. Quite the honor! She takes great pride in getting her school work done and keeping her grades up to stay eligible to play sports. She also went to prom last week. Her date was James Stout. I am sure you remember him. You were around some when Susan was babysitting. She is really growing up, becoming a beautiful young lady. You would be very proud of both of the girls.
Have a wonderful day. Give Dad a squeeze and kiss from all of us. Love you and miss you like crazy!
Ivan
Monday, September 8, 2014
Ah, summertime!
This summer was jam packed till the end! Madison was working at the pool again and doing some construction work with the dad of the boys I babysit. It was going to be interesting for her!
I was still planning on watching the three little boys that I had last year. On top of that I was playing both summer basketball and volleyball. I had practices three times a week for basketball and one practice a week for volleyball. Volleyball games were on Monday, while basketball games were on Tuesday. Sports basically took up most of my summer! But if any of you know me, I love playing! One week, I had basketball practice from 6:00-7:30 a.m. ( IN THE MORNING!) then I had volleyball camp from 9:00-11:30! Then that night I had three volleyball games. And if none of you realized that is 4 hours of full body exercise without counting the games... no wonder I was tired. Then I had to get up and do it all again the next day but with a basketball game.
Vacation was a blast this year! We went to Red River, New Mexico. Once we got there, we went tubing! It was a blast! While we were there we stayed at a cottage outside of town. I loved it! We also celebrated Dad's birthday there, I hope he liked all of his presents! On one of the days we were there, we took a ski lift up to the top of the mountain and feed chipmunks! Two little boys decided they wanted to join us and loved it! I kept hear, " Look mommy! It's by me!" or " Daddy, did you see me pet it?" Later that day, dad found a place to take Old Time Photos! I talked Dad and Madison to take some with me but mom refused. The picture turned out pretty good! To sum up vacation in one word - tonsoffun! ...if you say it fast it's one word. Trust me.
And being the person I am, I had plans to read tons and tons of books! Which if I may so myself was accomplished! I bought like 33 books but only read 27 of them, that isn't that bad! Out of those I had bought 26 of them with my money. And my ah-amazing parents bought 7. Most of those books cost $4 or less. Bargain!
We also took Madison's things (bed,dresser,etc.) up to her new apartment in Hays! Spent two days getting everything situated and do a little shopping. Hopeful she has a great year! But in a couple of days, I will be a freshman! Good golly that's scary! And Madison will be going back up to Hays to be a sophomore.
Wishing everyone a wonderful year!
-Hk
I was still planning on watching the three little boys that I had last year. On top of that I was playing both summer basketball and volleyball. I had practices three times a week for basketball and one practice a week for volleyball. Volleyball games were on Monday, while basketball games were on Tuesday. Sports basically took up most of my summer! But if any of you know me, I love playing! One week, I had basketball practice from 6:00-7:30 a.m. ( IN THE MORNING!) then I had volleyball camp from 9:00-11:30! Then that night I had three volleyball games. And if none of you realized that is 4 hours of full body exercise without counting the games... no wonder I was tired. Then I had to get up and do it all again the next day but with a basketball game.
Vacation was a blast this year! We went to Red River, New Mexico. Once we got there, we went tubing! It was a blast! While we were there we stayed at a cottage outside of town. I loved it! We also celebrated Dad's birthday there, I hope he liked all of his presents! On one of the days we were there, we took a ski lift up to the top of the mountain and feed chipmunks! Two little boys decided they wanted to join us and loved it! I kept hear, " Look mommy! It's by me!" or " Daddy, did you see me pet it?" Later that day, dad found a place to take Old Time Photos! I talked Dad and Madison to take some with me but mom refused. The picture turned out pretty good! To sum up vacation in one word - tonsoffun! ...if you say it fast it's one word. Trust me.
And being the person I am, I had plans to read tons and tons of books! Which if I may so myself was accomplished! I bought like 33 books but only read 27 of them, that isn't that bad! Out of those I had bought 26 of them with my money. And my ah-amazing parents bought 7. Most of those books cost $4 or less. Bargain!
We also took Madison's things (bed,dresser,etc.) up to her new apartment in Hays! Spent two days getting everything situated and do a little shopping. Hopeful she has a great year! But in a couple of days, I will be a freshman! Good golly that's scary! And Madison will be going back up to Hays to be a sophomore.
Wishing everyone a wonderful year!
-Hk
High School!
Gee, it's been so long! I'm in high school now... that's a very scary thought. Although it's not very different, it's still a major pain! All the teacher are great, I just miss my old ones and wish they would come up to high school.
Volleyball is still pretty challenging but I think i'm getting the hang of it. Balancing school work with sports is a different stories. I come home at around 7 every night, and by that time i'm so tired that I forget all about it. And in case you're wondering, I don't have homework tonight but I should be studying for two test tomorrow instead of doing this! But winning with my team makes it all worth it! We won are last two games and play three games tomorrow! So wish us good luck!
-Hannah
P.s. I'll try to talk Madison into writing a blog soon!
Volleyball is still pretty challenging but I think i'm getting the hang of it. Balancing school work with sports is a different stories. I come home at around 7 every night, and by that time i'm so tired that I forget all about it. And in case you're wondering, I don't have homework tonight but I should be studying for two test tomorrow instead of doing this! But winning with my team makes it all worth it! We won are last two games and play three games tomorrow! So wish us good luck!
-Hannah
P.s. I'll try to talk Madison into writing a blog soon!
Friday, April 18, 2014
8th grade basketball!
Well, another JH basketball season has come and gone. While most of you know the results of the season, here is my take on the year.
Our season started out with the Jetmore Shorthorns. We started our season last year with Jetmore. Anyway, to this years game. The girls started out strong. Tied after the first quarter. Ahead 12-7 at half. 19-13 after the third and 26-15 after the fourth. A good strong start for the year. Boog had high points for the game with 14, Swish and Bruiser both had 6. Great game.
Next up the South Gray Rebels. Wow, it was like running into a buzz saw. South Gray came out gunning and ran out to a 22-5 halftime lead. Our girls just could not get untracked and fell 37-7. Swish, Mack and CB had two points apiece. The South Gray team is very talented and play extremely well together.
The next week saw us on the road again, this time to Minneola. This game started out as a struggle. The Deuces found themselves down 10-5 after one, 13-12 at half. Coach K must have had a good halftime speech, cause our girls came out fired up after the break. Led by Swish with 7 points in the second half and Bruiser with 6 in the second half, the Lady Deuces staged a comeback and won by a final score of 27-23. High points for the game went to Swish with 10, Boog with 8 and Bruiser with 6. Mack chipped in 3 for the winning cause.
Our next game was against Ashland at Bucklin. This game our girls came out firing on all cylinders and led from the get-go. It was 10-2 after one. Ashland did get started and pulled within 16-14 at half. After three it was 24-22, us. We clamped down defensively and won 33-25. High points for the game was Boog with 12 and Swish with 10. Bruiser had 3 and Smalls, Mack, Gotta and CB each chipped 2 points apiece. A good team effort.
The following week found us at home again, this time against Pawnee Heights. Last year, we had no problem with the Lady Tigers, winning 49-15. This year Pawnee Heights came to play. They led 9-6 after one and 12-10 at half. Once again, Coach K must have had a good halftime speech. Our girls came out fired up. Led 16-12 after three and won 24-14. The girls clamped down defensively once again and did not allow Pawnee Heights to score until 2 minutes were left in the game. Boog had high points with 10, followed by Swish with 8 and Bruiser with 6. Great game, girls.
The next week found us on the road to Spearville. I am sure most of the parents thought we would have a fight on our hands, I did. But the Lady Deuces came out, played hard, led the entire game and won 27-11. Bruiser was high points for the game with 9, Boog had 8, Swish had 6 and Mack with 4.
A good win for Bucklin. 5-1 on the season so far, 3-0 in league.
The last game of the year before Christmas break found us at home against the Bulldogs of Ingalls. This is easily our biggest rival. Last year we beat Ingalls for the league basketball title and all of our meetings, basketball and volleyball, are good close games. That being said, the game was fairly close to begin with. Ingalls leading 14-12 at half. After half, our girls couldn't score at all. Scoring only two points in a half doesn't help win ball games. 24-14, Ingalls wins. High points for the game was Boog with 11. Swish chipped in with 3.
The Christmas break proved to be a huge hurdle to overcome. First game after break was at Fowler. The Goldbugs led the entire game and won 31-11. It wasn't a pretty game to watch. High points for the game was Boog with 9. Bruiser and Swish each had 1 apiece. The next week found us at home against South Central. Another tough game. South Central jumped out to a 12-3 lead at half. Ended up winning 30-11. Swish was high points for the game with 7, including a 3 at the buzzer. Bruiser had 2, while Smalls and Boog had 1 each. The last game of the year, had us on the road to Kiowa County. Once again, the girls found themselves in a dogfight. Score was 4-4 after one, 10-10 at half. Score was 17-16, Kiowa County up after three. Final score was 26-18, with Kiowa County winning. High points for the game was Bruiser and Swish with 6 each. Boog had 4 and Smalls had 2. This loss left our record at 5-5 for the year, 3-2 in league.
Up next, League tournament!! This year the tournament was held at Fowler. Our first game was on Monday against Pawnee Heights. The score was 6-4, Pawnee Heights, after one. The Lady Deuces led 16-8 at half, 22-10 after three and held on to win 29-13. During the fourth quarter, Boog landed awkwardly and hurt her left knee. She ended up not being able to play the rest of the game. High points for the game was Swish with 13. Boog had 6, Bruiser had 4, Smalls had 2 and CB had 1. Next up, the Fowler Goldbugs. This game was to be played on Thursday, but due to bad weather was pushed back to Saturday. After being beat by Fowler earlier in the year, the Lady Deuces were ready for a rematch. Bucklin led after one, 8-6. Fowler came back to lead at half, 13-12. The second half prove to be a good one. Bucklin led 18-15 after three. Boog fouled out with 5 minutes to play. It was a tough 5 minutes for her to sit on the bench. With three to play, Bucklin was up 22-16. Final score was 25-20. This set up a rematch with number 1 seed in the tournament, Ingalls. And a repeat of last years championship game. Playing probably their best game of the year, Bucklin got out to a 8-2 lead after one, 12-8 at half. The second half proved to be a ballgame, for both teams. After three Bucklin held the lead, 19-18. The fourth quarter ended with a tied score, 26-26. Going to overtime! The extra five minutes went the Lady Deuces way with the girls winning 29-28. High points for the game was Swish with 13, including two 3-pointers. Boog had 10, Mack with 3 and Bruiser with 2.
Another great year. Another League Championship. It doesn't get old winning titles! Very proud of all of these girls. It was a great year!!
Our season started out with the Jetmore Shorthorns. We started our season last year with Jetmore. Anyway, to this years game. The girls started out strong. Tied after the first quarter. Ahead 12-7 at half. 19-13 after the third and 26-15 after the fourth. A good strong start for the year. Boog had high points for the game with 14, Swish and Bruiser both had 6. Great game.
Next up the South Gray Rebels. Wow, it was like running into a buzz saw. South Gray came out gunning and ran out to a 22-5 halftime lead. Our girls just could not get untracked and fell 37-7. Swish, Mack and CB had two points apiece. The South Gray team is very talented and play extremely well together.
The next week saw us on the road again, this time to Minneola. This game started out as a struggle. The Deuces found themselves down 10-5 after one, 13-12 at half. Coach K must have had a good halftime speech, cause our girls came out fired up after the break. Led by Swish with 7 points in the second half and Bruiser with 6 in the second half, the Lady Deuces staged a comeback and won by a final score of 27-23. High points for the game went to Swish with 10, Boog with 8 and Bruiser with 6. Mack chipped in 3 for the winning cause.
Our next game was against Ashland at Bucklin. This game our girls came out firing on all cylinders and led from the get-go. It was 10-2 after one. Ashland did get started and pulled within 16-14 at half. After three it was 24-22, us. We clamped down defensively and won 33-25. High points for the game was Boog with 12 and Swish with 10. Bruiser had 3 and Smalls, Mack, Gotta and CB each chipped 2 points apiece. A good team effort.
The following week found us at home again, this time against Pawnee Heights. Last year, we had no problem with the Lady Tigers, winning 49-15. This year Pawnee Heights came to play. They led 9-6 after one and 12-10 at half. Once again, Coach K must have had a good halftime speech. Our girls came out fired up. Led 16-12 after three and won 24-14. The girls clamped down defensively once again and did not allow Pawnee Heights to score until 2 minutes were left in the game. Boog had high points with 10, followed by Swish with 8 and Bruiser with 6. Great game, girls.
The next week found us on the road to Spearville. I am sure most of the parents thought we would have a fight on our hands, I did. But the Lady Deuces came out, played hard, led the entire game and won 27-11. Bruiser was high points for the game with 9, Boog had 8, Swish had 6 and Mack with 4.
A good win for Bucklin. 5-1 on the season so far, 3-0 in league.
The last game of the year before Christmas break found us at home against the Bulldogs of Ingalls. This is easily our biggest rival. Last year we beat Ingalls for the league basketball title and all of our meetings, basketball and volleyball, are good close games. That being said, the game was fairly close to begin with. Ingalls leading 14-12 at half. After half, our girls couldn't score at all. Scoring only two points in a half doesn't help win ball games. 24-14, Ingalls wins. High points for the game was Boog with 11. Swish chipped in with 3.
The Christmas break proved to be a huge hurdle to overcome. First game after break was at Fowler. The Goldbugs led the entire game and won 31-11. It wasn't a pretty game to watch. High points for the game was Boog with 9. Bruiser and Swish each had 1 apiece. The next week found us at home against South Central. Another tough game. South Central jumped out to a 12-3 lead at half. Ended up winning 30-11. Swish was high points for the game with 7, including a 3 at the buzzer. Bruiser had 2, while Smalls and Boog had 1 each. The last game of the year, had us on the road to Kiowa County. Once again, the girls found themselves in a dogfight. Score was 4-4 after one, 10-10 at half. Score was 17-16, Kiowa County up after three. Final score was 26-18, with Kiowa County winning. High points for the game was Bruiser and Swish with 6 each. Boog had 4 and Smalls had 2. This loss left our record at 5-5 for the year, 3-2 in league.
Up next, League tournament!! This year the tournament was held at Fowler. Our first game was on Monday against Pawnee Heights. The score was 6-4, Pawnee Heights, after one. The Lady Deuces led 16-8 at half, 22-10 after three and held on to win 29-13. During the fourth quarter, Boog landed awkwardly and hurt her left knee. She ended up not being able to play the rest of the game. High points for the game was Swish with 13. Boog had 6, Bruiser had 4, Smalls had 2 and CB had 1. Next up, the Fowler Goldbugs. This game was to be played on Thursday, but due to bad weather was pushed back to Saturday. After being beat by Fowler earlier in the year, the Lady Deuces were ready for a rematch. Bucklin led after one, 8-6. Fowler came back to lead at half, 13-12. The second half prove to be a good one. Bucklin led 18-15 after three. Boog fouled out with 5 minutes to play. It was a tough 5 minutes for her to sit on the bench. With three to play, Bucklin was up 22-16. Final score was 25-20. This set up a rematch with number 1 seed in the tournament, Ingalls. And a repeat of last years championship game. Playing probably their best game of the year, Bucklin got out to a 8-2 lead after one, 12-8 at half. The second half proved to be a ballgame, for both teams. After three Bucklin held the lead, 19-18. The fourth quarter ended with a tied score, 26-26. Going to overtime! The extra five minutes went the Lady Deuces way with the girls winning 29-28. High points for the game was Swish with 13, including two 3-pointers. Boog had 10, Mack with 3 and Bruiser with 2.
Another great year. Another League Championship. It doesn't get old winning titles! Very proud of all of these girls. It was a great year!!
Monday, March 10, 2014
My Mother in Law
Today we buried my mother in law, Norma Collins. She died last Thursday. It was very sudden and unexpected. I lost both of my parents six years ago in
September and December. That was hard,
but it was nothing to compare with what we went through these last few
days. Like I said her death was very
sudden.
I will be the first to admit I didn’t have the best
relationship with my MIL. We didn’t see
eye to eye on everything. But we did
have some interesting conversations. We
shared the love of reading. We have read
some of the same books and we both enjoyed discussing books on more than one occasion.
Another thing we both enjoyed was the great outdoors. I have
a love of flowers and gardening. Norma
also loved working in her flower beds.
Until the last few years when the drought played havoc with her
gardening, she always had plants in both flower beds and in several containers
around her yard. I enjoyed getting her
outside and quizzing her about her flowers.
Last year I got some seeds from her and plan on getting them in the
ground this coming spring.
As with anyone who was getting up in age, Norma had her
share of problems. Last fall she had
her right knee replaced. She was
scheduled to have the left replaced this spring. A few weeks ago she had fallen in the
backyard and broke the knee cap on her left leg. This left her with a cast and limited
mobility. Thursday of last week started
as a normal day for us. Around 12:40
Susan called and said she was headed to Medicine Lodge: Something was wrong with her mom. I told her to give me 20 minutes and I would
be home and go with her. Ten minutes
later I took a phone call from Susan’s sister and received the message that her
mom was gone. Hardest thing I have ever
done in my life was to tell my wife her mom was gone.
Today we buried my mother in law. It was a beautiful, pre spring day. We had a grave side service at Sun City
beside the graves of Susan’s brother and dad.
There was a large turnout of family and friends. The preacher had a wonderful message. We had recorded music by Susan’s niece,
Dayna. She had recorded ‘Beulah
Land’. It was beautiful.
To my wife, her sisters: Carol, Joyce, Anita and Merilea,
my sincere heartfelt condolences. My
heart aches along with yours. I know how
much it hurts. I always say tell
stories. It will keep your mom
around. Tell stories so those 11
grandkids and 11 great grandkids remember.
Love you all.
Ivan
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Patriotism
Today we went to the Dodge City VFW for dinner. They were honoring winners of the essay contest. My daughter Hannah brought home second place! Her friend Maddie took first and her friend Amber took third in the Junior High division. They were to write an essay of no more than 400 words on "What Patriotism Means to Me". What follows is what she wrote.
Patriotism. What does it mean to have great patriotism? Patriotism means the love of your country and the willingness to sacrifice for it. But yet, what are we supposed to sacrifice?
In school, we learn about all these great historians who were willing to stand for what they believed in. Let's talk about Rosa Parks for example, on December 1st of 1955; she refused to give her seat to a white passenger. She probably knew what was going to happen to her when she did it, but she was willing to take the consequences because she wanted other people like here to have the same rights as everyone else. I believe she showed great patriotism because she sacrificed herself for us to have a better nation.
I don't necessarily believe that you have to be willing to sacrifice something for your country to show great patriotism. I believe that patriotism means that you are proud to be from the United States, you proudly stand when the National Anthem is played, you enjoy the freedom and rights you have as an American, and are willing to help make the country better. It means that you are thankful for the people who served for us, and are serving now.
I found this quote that I really feel as if it relates to this and is basically describe exactly what I was thinking. It is from www.cnn.com and someone said, "Patriotism is not something that can be described in one word, one sentence, or in one paragraph. It can be described in that one moment. You just know that moment." For me, that one moment is on the Fourth of July, when I see the American Flag waving on almost every flag pole and I see the fireworks in the background. It reminds me why being an American is so special. And that is What Patriotism Means to Me.
I was very impressed when I read her essay. Her mom and I and her sister were proud to sit in the audience today as they read her name and she went forward to receive her award. We had a great meal and she got a couple of cash awards for essay. I don't know what Hannah will want to do when she graduates from high school. I know she will go to college. Who knows, maybe someday a child in the future will have to write an essay and Hannah will be their inspiration. Whatever she does, I am sure she will be a Patriot. It runs in her blood. Proud of you, Boog. We love you.
Patriotism. What does it mean to have great patriotism? Patriotism means the love of your country and the willingness to sacrifice for it. But yet, what are we supposed to sacrifice?
In school, we learn about all these great historians who were willing to stand for what they believed in. Let's talk about Rosa Parks for example, on December 1st of 1955; she refused to give her seat to a white passenger. She probably knew what was going to happen to her when she did it, but she was willing to take the consequences because she wanted other people like here to have the same rights as everyone else. I believe she showed great patriotism because she sacrificed herself for us to have a better nation.
I don't necessarily believe that you have to be willing to sacrifice something for your country to show great patriotism. I believe that patriotism means that you are proud to be from the United States, you proudly stand when the National Anthem is played, you enjoy the freedom and rights you have as an American, and are willing to help make the country better. It means that you are thankful for the people who served for us, and are serving now.
I found this quote that I really feel as if it relates to this and is basically describe exactly what I was thinking. It is from www.cnn.com and someone said, "Patriotism is not something that can be described in one word, one sentence, or in one paragraph. It can be described in that one moment. You just know that moment." For me, that one moment is on the Fourth of July, when I see the American Flag waving on almost every flag pole and I see the fireworks in the background. It reminds me why being an American is so special. And that is What Patriotism Means to Me.
I was very impressed when I read her essay. Her mom and I and her sister were proud to sit in the audience today as they read her name and she went forward to receive her award. We had a great meal and she got a couple of cash awards for essay. I don't know what Hannah will want to do when she graduates from high school. I know she will go to college. Who knows, maybe someday a child in the future will have to write an essay and Hannah will be their inspiration. Whatever she does, I am sure she will be a Patriot. It runs in her blood. Proud of you, Boog. We love you.
Aunt Leona
This last week we closed another chapter in the Nutty
Clusters family history. My Aunt Leona,
or Aunt Onie, as we lovingly called her, passed away on Monday, December
9. When I think of Aunt Onie I think of
fishing, camping, farming, telling jokes and having fun with her family. I remember all of the campouts we had at the
Lechner farm. I remember going to their
house in Harper for family get togethers, New Year Eves or just to visit. I remember visiting with them in South Dakota
when they custom cut and we were on vacation.
We always had fun with them.
While I was driving to Harper for the funeral, I was
thinking of all of these things. During
the service the pastor read the scripture for his message, Proverbs 31:10-17,
24-28. 10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11 The heart
of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of
spoil.12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.13 She
seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.14 She is like the
merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.15 She riseth also while it
is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.16
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she
planteth a vineyard.17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth
her arms. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto
the merchant.25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in
time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law
of kindness.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her. I
really think this scripture fit Aunt Onie to a T and so did the pastor as his
sermon reflected on these verses and how he compared her to them.
This has been a hard year for our family. Losing Uncle Lindy
in May, Randall in October and now Aunt Leona.
I have always wondered why God lets a person die so close to Christmas. But yet there are always people who die on
Christmas Day. Losing my dad almost 5
years ago makes you notice the date and wonder why. But, who are we to question God’s plan? Our family has had our share of deaths in
December and some of those are close to Christmas Day. I will bet there was rejoicing in Heaven when
Aunt Leona made her appearance. Reunited
with her husband, boys, sisters and parents, I am sure there were stories told.
My love and prayers go out to my Lechner cousins. I won’t tell you it gets better, but it
will. Remember the good times (and the
bad). Share your memories with your
kids so the stories are passed down and remembered. I love you all, Ivan.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Marigolds and Family
My cousin Randall died this last week and his funeral was on
Friday. While I was unable to attend the
funeral, it did not keep me from thinking of him. Randall was 12 years older than me. Most of my early memories are from the annual
Labor Day campout the family used to have.
We would have it at the Lechner family farm north of Harper. I remember one campout that we attended. Most of my cousins had BB guns, but I did
not. Randall came to the rescue. He and his girlfriend took me into town where
we went to the family house and he came back out with a Daisy BB gun. It was mine.
I still have it. Another memory
from the family campouts was the year Randall had a little too much to drink
and he drove a tractor into one of Uncle Lindy’s pickups. Randall had several hip replacements over
the years. A few years ago he was
diagnosed with Leukemia. That disease
ultimately took his life.
Late Friday afternoon I was sitting on the back porch with
Hannah. She had stayed home sick from
school and was sitting in the afternoon sun.
I was picking dead blooms off a Marigold plant. I pulled the seeds out and asked her if she
knew what they were. She said they were seeds. I told her she was correct and let the breeze
blow them from my hand. That got me thinking
how a Marigold plant is like a family.
A plant grows, blooms, and then releases its seeds to
establish new plants. Follow my logic if
you can. Grandpa and Grandma Kahmeyer
was the plant. They met, their love grew
and it bloomed. From that union 10 kids
were born. Like the Marigold seeds they
scattered in the wind. While most of the
family put down roots in Kansas, some went to Indiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska and
other spots on the map. We even had
family overseas at times. The younger ‘seeds’ met the love of their life, that love
grew and bloomed. Now there are more
seeds being scattered to the wind. From
the first ‘plant’ there are 35 first cousins.
I won’t even try to count second and third cousins. Let’s just say the family is big.
Some of my cousins are closer than others. I am definitely closer to the ones that grew
up in Medicine Lodge. It doesn’t
matter how long it has been between visits, when you see certain ones you can
talk about anything. And you never know
when you will run into one. Yesterday,
Saturday, I was surprised by couple of those first cousins. Dave and Bill Wiske showed up on our
doorstep. They had been to Dodge City
for some reason and when they were headed back to Medicine Lodge they decided
to stop and see us. We had a short but
good visit. Hope they stop by again
sometime.
As the wind blows seeds around and they establish roots, so
does a family. Everyone has the plant
where they came from and they call it home.
My home was in Medicine Lodge.
While I consider Ford my home now, Medicine Lodge is still home. To my kids, Ford is home. Ultimately we all have a common home. Randall has went to that home. Rest in peace, Cuz.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Do you believe in Angels?
Ok, I know I just blogged yesterday evening, but something has been on my mind all day today and after discussing it with Susan she told me to blog about it. So here it goes.
Yesterday morning Susan and I were sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee. Susan realized the first day of October was coming up and she decided to get here Halloween blocks out. These are blocks the girls and I got her for Christmas two years ago. They were misplaced and we just found them this spring while cleaning Madison's room.
Anyway, to put them on the shelf, we had to move a mantle clock that we have. This clock belonged to my Grandpa and Grandma Klusman. I never met them. This clock was at mom and dad's house for years. Several years ago, mom had it cleaned and 'serviced' and gave it to dad for Christmas, I believe. Ok, I am getting there, give me time. We have had the clock since we cleaned the folks house out. I wound it a couple of times, but it didn't keep the best time. I don't even know the last time it was wound. After we moved it yesterday, about 15 minutes later, it chimed. Twelve times. And it continued to chime on the half hour and hour until about 9:15 or 9:30 last night.
Yesterday morning Susan and I were sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee. Susan realized the first day of October was coming up and she decided to get here Halloween blocks out. These are blocks the girls and I got her for Christmas two years ago. They were misplaced and we just found them this spring while cleaning Madison's room.
 |
| Susan's blocks |
Anyway, to put them on the shelf, we had to move a mantle clock that we have. This clock belonged to my Grandpa and Grandma Klusman. I never met them. This clock was at mom and dad's house for years. Several years ago, mom had it cleaned and 'serviced' and gave it to dad for Christmas, I believe. Ok, I am getting there, give me time. We have had the clock since we cleaned the folks house out. I wound it a couple of times, but it didn't keep the best time. I don't even know the last time it was wound. After we moved it yesterday, about 15 minutes later, it chimed. Twelve times. And it continued to chime on the half hour and hour until about 9:15 or 9:30 last night.
 |
| The clock |
What got me to thinking was this: Five years ago yesterday mom died. We moved the clock somewhere around 9:00 am. I am pretty sure this is somewhere right around the time mom died. Coincidence? I don't know. Do I believe in ghosts? No. Do I believe in guardian angels? Yes. I have other stories about guardian angels, but they are for another time. I believe that we all have someone special who 'watches' out for us. Maybe this was mom's way of telling me that time has a way of easing pain. I miss mom a lot. There is rarely a day or two that goes by without me thinking of her. The chiming didn't bother Susan or I. It woke Madison up the first time. Hannah made the comment last night that if it chimed during the night, she was coming downstairs and sleeping on the couch. I never heard it after 9:30. Hannah slept in her room all night.
Why did the clock chime? All we did was move it off center on the shelf. Does this bother me? No. Will it ever happen again? I hope so. Maybe it is someone saying, "Don't worry. All will be alright." Anyway, I am going to leave you with one more picture. I took this in Western Kansas this spring. Couldn't really tell what it looked like on my phone until I downloaded it to my laptop. I see an angel. Arms stretched out, face tilted back looking toward Heaven. Maybe it's my guardian angel. I think I will call her Mom.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Prayer
So, what do you pray for? Judging by what people put on Facebook, they pray for just about anything. Don't get me wrong, prayer is a good thing. But, sometimes I wonder if people really think about what they are praying for. I don't really remember what I have prayed for or when I have prayed. But I do remember what I was praying for five years ago today. That was the day my Mom left this Earth and reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. My siblings and I, along with the rest of the family, was praying for Mom and for Dad.
Sometimes prayer can be a struggle. I have a hard time being specific about what I am praying for. My sister, Ann, is a natural at prayer. Any time the family is together Ann is the one to pray. She always says just the right thing and more often than not, I end up with tears in my eyes. Of course, that is most of the time. If you know me I cry at just about anything.
Are prayers answered? To me there is no question: Yes they are. God may not always answer your prayer the way you want it answered, but he does answer it. Sometimes it may be days or months before they are answered. You may not always realize it was answered. Five years ago, our prayer was for Mom not to suffer and to go home soon. That prayer was answered quickly. Three short months later we had the same prayer for Dad. They were both at peace with God and He knew it. Our prayers ARE answered.
Today at church the scripture in the bulletin was Matthew 5 verse 4, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Just seeing those words were a comfort. I was thinking about Mom this morning when I woke up. Hard to believe it has been five years already. Last weekend Susan and I attended my Uncle Kenny and Aunt Frannie's Fifty wedding anniversary party. Seeing all of Mom's sisters together is really something. All of them, in one way or another, remind me of Mom. Some of them look like her. Some sound like her. It is really comforting to know she is not forgotten.
So, what do you pray for? Tonight I pray for my girls, give them both strength to do things they don't want to do and for the things they do want to do. I pray for wisdom for both of them, that they may make good decisions. I pray for health for all my family and friends. (And my enemies.) I pray for our nation's leaders to make wise decisions. And, I pray for you, my friends on facebook. Have a good and productive week.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Bad blogger!
I know what you're thinking, "Wow she's has been a really bad blogger and hasn't blogged in about a month." Well I apologize, this family has a very busy schedule. With Volleyball going on, Madison being in college, and going back to school and work. We haven't really been home much. Yet alone write a blog. So to catch you up on a couple of things, I have created the Three Things I need to Blog about List. And well here it is.
1- First day of school! This year was quite different from last year. I am the only Klusman child going to Bucklin Schools. And let me tell you, I'm not very happy with that fact. I still haven't wrapped my brain around the fact that I won't see Madison everyday. But I was probably not as nervous about this fact, as Madison was about going to college without knowing anyone.
2- I'm an Eighth grader! Whoop Whoop! Top dog over here! The homework is a bit harder but not that much. I miss my Freshman friends a lot! And sports are going to be totally different compared to last year, which brings me to number 3.
3- Volleyball!!!!!!!! This certain subject deserves a ton of exclamation marks because my team is doing great this year! We have played Pawnee Heights, Fowler, South Gray, Minnoela, and Ashland. Out of those games, we have only lost to Fowler which we should of won. During that game however, I landed on my ankle wrong after coming down from a hit, and couldn't play the rest of the game. My ankle was very big to say the least. Couldn't walk on it Friday, and decides to go to the doctors on Monday to get it look at. I ended up not doing anything very damaging, just getting a bad sprain. Couldn't play for a week after that. Which meant I would be helping my teammates from the bench. But I am back now, and helped my team win against Minneola and Ashalnd! And so tomorrow we play Hodgeman County, and hopefully can pull out a win! I believe that this year, we meant be able to pull off another league championship!( Knock on wood for me!)
I would post some pictures on here for you but I need to go study for a history test...fun. Hopefully, I filled you in on some parts that my dad( Ivan) hasn't been writing about.! And maybe I will do another blog soon or maybe I won't. Just got to keep checking!
-Hannah.
1- First day of school! This year was quite different from last year. I am the only Klusman child going to Bucklin Schools. And let me tell you, I'm not very happy with that fact. I still haven't wrapped my brain around the fact that I won't see Madison everyday. But I was probably not as nervous about this fact, as Madison was about going to college without knowing anyone.
2- I'm an Eighth grader! Whoop Whoop! Top dog over here! The homework is a bit harder but not that much. I miss my Freshman friends a lot! And sports are going to be totally different compared to last year, which brings me to number 3.
3- Volleyball!!!!!!!! This certain subject deserves a ton of exclamation marks because my team is doing great this year! We have played Pawnee Heights, Fowler, South Gray, Minnoela, and Ashland. Out of those games, we have only lost to Fowler which we should of won. During that game however, I landed on my ankle wrong after coming down from a hit, and couldn't play the rest of the game. My ankle was very big to say the least. Couldn't walk on it Friday, and decides to go to the doctors on Monday to get it look at. I ended up not doing anything very damaging, just getting a bad sprain. Couldn't play for a week after that. Which meant I would be helping my teammates from the bench. But I am back now, and helped my team win against Minneola and Ashalnd! And so tomorrow we play Hodgeman County, and hopefully can pull out a win! I believe that this year, we meant be able to pull off another league championship!( Knock on wood for me!)
I would post some pictures on here for you but I need to go study for a history test...fun. Hopefully, I filled you in on some parts that my dad( Ivan) hasn't been writing about.! And maybe I will do another blog soon or maybe I won't. Just got to keep checking!
-Hannah.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
23 years of love.
23 years ago today, Susan took a chance. She took a chance on this skinny, bearded,
mullet wearing boy. And what a chance it
was. At the time I was working at the
local grocery store in Medicine Lodge.
In less than 5 months time I had been offered and accepted a job with
Hammel Scale in Dodge City. We moved to
Dodge City in February of 1991. And I
guess, as they say, the rest is history.
Our marriage, like any marriage, has had its ups and
downs. But, we have had a lot more ups
than downs. And we made it through the
downs. What has helped us? Love and faith in each other. When we moved to Dodge, we just had each
other. No family to help us out. We learned to make things happen.
I have always said that Susan was my best friend. And I mean that. Not only is she my best friend, she is my
confidant, the one I tell all my secrets to.
She has listened to me rant and rave about work and when things don’t work out.
She is my true love. In fact,
shortly after we started dating, I told her I was going to marry her. She laughed.
But guess who was right. We have
been married for 23 years, but I have known her for 26 years. A long time together. Hopefully, many years to go.
So, today, after 23 years of marriage, two wonderful girls, four
moves, (the final one to our project house) I can honestly say I would do it
all over again. There might be some
things we would want to change, but I don’t think I would change anything. Susan, it’s been a great 23 years. I hope you never regret taking a chance on
me. I love you with all my heart.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I LOVE YOU!!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Lady Deuces Volleyball
Today starts a new chapter in the book of Bucklin Junior
High Volleyball. Time will tell what is
in the cards for these girls. After
winning the league championship last year, who knows what will happen. Will they win league again? Time will tell,
but I know one thing: I won’t bet against them!
The core of this years team is a group of eighth graders who
have played together for several years.
I can remember this bunch playing together in Dodge City at the Sheridan
Center when they were fourth and fifth graders.
I doubt that any of us parents could have foreseen what they have
accomplished. They have persevered for
three years in Junior High and now it is their time to be the team
leaders. I am looking forward to a great year.
Although I am a basketball lover through and through, I
enjoy any sport these girls are playing.
It has been a privilege to have coached them in Little Dribblers
basketball and watch them compete and succeed.
They have grown from giggling little girls to young women who are capable
of doing whatever they want to do.
So, I will repeat
what I have told you over and over.
Listen to your coaches. They will
instruct you on what to do and they will have your back. Your parents have your back. Your teammates have your back. Have fun and represent your school with
pride. Wear the red and white with
pride.
WE ARE BUCKLIN
Monday, August 26, 2013
Faith
Faith will move mountains. A man of courage is also full of faith. Faith makes things possible, not easy. You just gotta have faith. I'm sure everyone has their favorite faith saying. Have you ever really, really thought about faith?
The inspiration for this post comes from my daughter Madison. I believe she has more faith than me. No, I know she has more faith than me. Last weekend was her first weekend by herself in Alva. She didn't have a roommate, didn't know hardly anyone, but she went to church on Sunday. Went by herself, didn't know anyone. Sat by herself in the back of the church. She enjoyed the service. I know when I was at college it was extremely hard to go to church by myself. I was very proud of her.
This weekend, she came home. She got surprised Friday night by her boyfriend, Brian. She was expecting him to be home. We had a good visit, watched a couple of movies. Sunday we went to church. Had a very nice prayer by our pastor, Ryan Ausman. We just hung around the house Sunday afternoon. It got to be time for her to get on the road and you could tell she didn't want to leave. She had a headache so that didn't help matters either. She left around 6:30 and got to Alva around 8:30. She got her stuff put away and saw her friends. She called her mom about 10 and this was the story she told us.
"My head was hurting and I was listening to Christian music on my phone. This song came on that we listened to at the pool. It's called Worn and it really said a lot to me. While I was listening, I was bawling my eyes out. When the song was over, I realized my headache was gone." To me, this is Faith. Faith, that you know you can turn it all to Him. Let go and let God. (Another of those catchy phrases.)
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
Tonight she called and told us she had went to a bible study. Talk about faith. To go where you probably don't know anyone and be comfortable doing it. I am proud of my girl. Just have FAITH.
Here is my faith verse, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
Keep the faith, Madison. Things will all work out. Remember, mom and dad are just a phone call away. And God is just a prayer away.
Worn
Read more: Tenth Avenue North - Worn Lyrics | MetroLyrics
The inspiration for this post comes from my daughter Madison. I believe she has more faith than me. No, I know she has more faith than me. Last weekend was her first weekend by herself in Alva. She didn't have a roommate, didn't know hardly anyone, but she went to church on Sunday. Went by herself, didn't know anyone. Sat by herself in the back of the church. She enjoyed the service. I know when I was at college it was extremely hard to go to church by myself. I was very proud of her.
This weekend, she came home. She got surprised Friday night by her boyfriend, Brian. She was expecting him to be home. We had a good visit, watched a couple of movies. Sunday we went to church. Had a very nice prayer by our pastor, Ryan Ausman. We just hung around the house Sunday afternoon. It got to be time for her to get on the road and you could tell she didn't want to leave. She had a headache so that didn't help matters either. She left around 6:30 and got to Alva around 8:30. She got her stuff put away and saw her friends. She called her mom about 10 and this was the story she told us.
"My head was hurting and I was listening to Christian music on my phone. This song came on that we listened to at the pool. It's called Worn and it really said a lot to me. While I was listening, I was bawling my eyes out. When the song was over, I realized my headache was gone." To me, this is Faith. Faith, that you know you can turn it all to Him. Let go and let God. (Another of those catchy phrases.)
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
Tonight she called and told us she had went to a bible study. Talk about faith. To go where you probably don't know anyone and be comfortable doing it. I am proud of my girl. Just have FAITH.
Here is my faith verse, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
Keep the faith, Madison. Things will all work out. Remember, mom and dad are just a phone call away. And God is just a prayer away.
Worn
Read more: Tenth Avenue North - Worn Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Thursday, August 15, 2013
College Bound.
Well, today is the day. Today we are moving our baby girl to Alva. It seems like only yesterday that Madison started kindergarten. Now, she is ready to start her new adventure of college. After we load the vehicles and make last minute stops, we are off to North Western Oklahoma State University!!
It seems like this day has taken forever to get here. Except for the last 10 months or so. That period of time has went soooooo fast! Her senior year was not long at all. Now Hannah is an eighth grader and Madison a freshman in college. I know she is ready and she is going to do great. I hope all the life lessons we have taught her will stay with her and guide her.
There is so much I would like to say, but it isn't necessary. She knows how her mom and I feel about her. She knows how proud we are to call her our daughter. She knows that we will support her in future decisions and endeavours. She knows how to make wise choices. She knows who to turn to when she needs something.
Dear God,
Look over my daughter. Look over all of the sons and daughters as they start this new chapter of their lives. Guide them in all of their decisions. Be their rock, their salvation. One they can count on in anytime of need. Give them strength. Give them peace and understanding. When they come home for a visit, please be their passenger. Keep them safe. Let them know how much they are loved. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
Good luck, Madison. Have a great year.
“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Love Ya, Dad.
It seems like this day has taken forever to get here. Except for the last 10 months or so. That period of time has went soooooo fast! Her senior year was not long at all. Now Hannah is an eighth grader and Madison a freshman in college. I know she is ready and she is going to do great. I hope all the life lessons we have taught her will stay with her and guide her.
There is so much I would like to say, but it isn't necessary. She knows how her mom and I feel about her. She knows how proud we are to call her our daughter. She knows that we will support her in future decisions and endeavours. She knows how to make wise choices. She knows who to turn to when she needs something.
Dear God,
Look over my daughter. Look over all of the sons and daughters as they start this new chapter of their lives. Guide them in all of their decisions. Be their rock, their salvation. One they can count on in anytime of need. Give them strength. Give them peace and understanding. When they come home for a visit, please be their passenger. Keep them safe. Let them know how much they are loved. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
Good luck, Madison. Have a great year.
“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Love Ya, Dad.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Vacation 2013
Vacation was a little different this year. On Saturday, Madison worked her last day at the Bucklin pool. Susan, Hannah and I took the Mustang to Sun City for a little work by Rick. We were wanting to be home in time to mow before we left, but we didn't make it. During the night it rained. And rained. And rained some more. Sunday morning I had more than 3" in the gauge. Little to say we didn't get the yard mowed.
We left mid-morning on Sunday and went to Wichita. Did a little shopping and headed to Topeka. We spent the night at the Broxterman B&B. Monday we went and played in the park with some of our favorite little ones (Addison, Easton, Hayden and Ava). Went and visited with Kyle, Jen and the kids Monday evening.
Tuesday, we got up and headed towards St. Louis. Hit St. Louis about rush hour. Great planning by yours truly. Found us a room, played in the pool. Went and ate supper. Time for bed. Slept pretty good, for a motel room. Wednesday morning found us at the Gateway Arch. After Hannah conquered her fear of heights, she confessed that the Arch was pretty neat. If you have never been there, it is worth the trip. Very cool and a nice museum underneath. We also took a riverboat cruise. It was fun, but pretty warm. We survived though, we are from KANSAS! Went to a movie to cool off. Saw the new Percy Jackson. It was good.
Thursday, we headed back towards Kansas. Stopped at Meramec Caverns. It was nice and cool underground. After the tour, the girls went zip lining! Again, Hannah was nervous because of the height. After their training, they climbed the first tower. Their instructor, looked at the group, looked at Hannah and said, "You're first!". I think she was a little stunned, but she was a trooper and strapped in. She told us later it was great and she would do it again. After we left the cavern, we checked out an antique mall. Didn't buy anything. Lack of space was the only thing holding us back. Found something to eat and decided to drive home. We were all tired of motel rooms, being in the car and worried about home. It had rained almost everyday since we left and we have had problems in the past with water in the basement. Left Lebanon, MO at 5:30 pm and drove through and got home about 1:45 am. No water in the basement. Weeds a foot tall in the front yard. It was a short but fun trip. Hope the girls have more memories to remember and destinations for their kids in the future.
We left mid-morning on Sunday and went to Wichita. Did a little shopping and headed to Topeka. We spent the night at the Broxterman B&B. Monday we went and played in the park with some of our favorite little ones (Addison, Easton, Hayden and Ava). Went and visited with Kyle, Jen and the kids Monday evening.
Tuesday, we got up and headed towards St. Louis. Hit St. Louis about rush hour. Great planning by yours truly. Found us a room, played in the pool. Went and ate supper. Time for bed. Slept pretty good, for a motel room. Wednesday morning found us at the Gateway Arch. After Hannah conquered her fear of heights, she confessed that the Arch was pretty neat. If you have never been there, it is worth the trip. Very cool and a nice museum underneath. We also took a riverboat cruise. It was fun, but pretty warm. We survived though, we are from KANSAS! Went to a movie to cool off. Saw the new Percy Jackson. It was good.
Thursday, we headed back towards Kansas. Stopped at Meramec Caverns. It was nice and cool underground. After the tour, the girls went zip lining! Again, Hannah was nervous because of the height. After their training, they climbed the first tower. Their instructor, looked at the group, looked at Hannah and said, "You're first!". I think she was a little stunned, but she was a trooper and strapped in. She told us later it was great and she would do it again. After we left the cavern, we checked out an antique mall. Didn't buy anything. Lack of space was the only thing holding us back. Found something to eat and decided to drive home. We were all tired of motel rooms, being in the car and worried about home. It had rained almost everyday since we left and we have had problems in the past with water in the basement. Left Lebanon, MO at 5:30 pm and drove through and got home about 1:45 am. No water in the basement. Weeds a foot tall in the front yard. It was a short but fun trip. Hope the girls have more memories to remember and destinations for their kids in the future.
Friday, June 28, 2013
28 Reasons Why My Mom Is Better...
It's my Mommy's birthday! In honor of that, Hannah and I decided to create this long list.. hehe.
1. How to bring your pitch partner and yourself back from being down 32 and win.
2.She is truthful and honest. She doesn't hold anything back from us.
3.Supportive. In EVERYTHING! She is at every event Hannah or I am in or involved with.
4.She listens. When I feel like the world is crashing down on me or when I feel as if what I am telling her is the most fantastic thing in the world.
5.She taught me to be strong. To not let anything anyone says or does, crush me.
6.To be myself. To be me and not worry if someone else cares. If I'm happy with my life, then that's what is important.
7.She does like, everything. Like for real. Dad's gone, who do I call? Mom, even when Dad is home.. haha. Dad's gone? Mom fixes it. It gets taken care of.
8. She's taught me the proper way to fold towels.
9.Not to worry constantly. To sometimes just wing it, throw caution to the windand go for it.
10.Shown me how I want to raise my kids (in the far future) and how I'd like for them to see me.
11.To try and always put my family and others first.
12. She LOVES us; all the way to the moon and back.
13.She's taught me how to love God.
14.She's shown me how to mud a wall and how to have a fun time doing it.
-Mk
15. She's taught me that sometimes being weird is the best way to be.
16.To do want I love to do...Even if I'm not good at it. But she'll always support me.
17. Be outrageous! Meet new people because those strangers might just end up to be your best friend.
18.Treat people with respect, you never know what they are going through.
19.Learn how to love who you are. God made us all perfect in his eyes, so why worry what other people think of you.
20.Taught us to be proud of your accomplishments and your failures.
21.Girls can do anything a man can do and we can do it faster.
22.Be thankful for your family and things. It all can be gone in a blink.
23.Find a man who treats you right.
24.Love your family and friends more than anything in the world.
25.Trust in God and everything will be fine.
26.Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything your set your mind too,
27.She throws the best birthday parties.
28.She has been the best mother for the last 18 and will continue to be forever the rest of time.
-HK
Love you Mommy!
1. How to bring your pitch partner and yourself back from being down 32 and win.
2.She is truthful and honest. She doesn't hold anything back from us.
3.Supportive. In EVERYTHING! She is at every event Hannah or I am in or involved with.
4.She listens. When I feel like the world is crashing down on me or when I feel as if what I am telling her is the most fantastic thing in the world.
5.She taught me to be strong. To not let anything anyone says or does, crush me.
6.To be myself. To be me and not worry if someone else cares. If I'm happy with my life, then that's what is important.
7.She does like, everything. Like for real. Dad's gone, who do I call? Mom, even when Dad is home.. haha. Dad's gone? Mom fixes it. It gets taken care of.
8. She's taught me the proper way to fold towels.
9.Not to worry constantly. To sometimes just wing it, throw caution to the windand go for it.
10.Shown me how I want to raise my kids (in the far future) and how I'd like for them to see me.
11.To try and always put my family and others first.
12. She LOVES us; all the way to the moon and back.
13.She's taught me how to love God.
14.She's shown me how to mud a wall and how to have a fun time doing it.
-Mk
15. She's taught me that sometimes being weird is the best way to be.
16.To do want I love to do...Even if I'm not good at it. But she'll always support me.
17. Be outrageous! Meet new people because those strangers might just end up to be your best friend.
18.Treat people with respect, you never know what they are going through.
19.Learn how to love who you are. God made us all perfect in his eyes, so why worry what other people think of you.
20.Taught us to be proud of your accomplishments and your failures.
21.Girls can do anything a man can do and we can do it faster.
22.Be thankful for your family and things. It all can be gone in a blink.
23.Find a man who treats you right.
24.Love your family and friends more than anything in the world.
25.Trust in God and everything will be fine.
26.Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything your set your mind too,
27.She throws the best birthday parties.
28.She has been the best mother for the last 18 and will continue to be forever the rest of time.
-HK
Love you Mommy!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Not enough time.
Spent some time in Harper, KS today. This was one of those visits you don't always like to do. Our extended family gathered to pay our last respects for my Uncle, Lindy Lechner. LL, as he was affectionately called, was my Mom's brother in law. I am sure he was much more than a brother in law, but that is what he was. LL was ornery, funny, out spoken, supportive. He was a story teller, a prankster. And he was loved. That was evident by the crowd in attendance. All of the remaining Kahmeyer siblings were there. Aunt Ruby, Uncle Dale, Aunt Eunice, Aunt Boots, Aunt Doris, Aunt Francis, and Aunt Sue. Of course, Aunt Leona and her kids. All of my siblings were there. Every family of this large group was represented. Of course, the Lechner side was also there.
Being around all of this family made me realize something. Life isn't long enough. There is not enough time to take care of all your responsibilities, be it work or your own family, and be able to take the time to visit with your relatives. I mean, to really be able to sit down and talk to your Aunts and Uncles, your cousins, sometimes your own brothers or sisters. Then you have a day like today. I took time to speak to each of my Aunts and their husbands and my Uncle. But it isn't enough. Five or ten minutes is not enough time to convey how much these people mean to you.
When I was a kid, I thought 'these people aren't that old'. Now I am 46, and these people are getting old. We are all getting old. It seems like some of these people you only see at funerals. In fact, my cousin Tim commented, "It's pretty bad you have to go to a funeral to see each other." That's so true. And there will be more in the future.
At the dinner following the funeral somebody said that there was a party in Heaven. See, my cousin Gary, Uncle Lindy's son, died in 1982. (I hope that was the right year). Our Uncle Roland and Aunt Em died several years ago. Uncle John a few years ago. My Mom and Dad five years ago. Uncle Dwayne, last year. Other cousins also. I bet it was a party. The minister today used John 11:21-27 as his Gospel reading. Verses 25 and 26 read, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
I don't know about you, but I believe. We will be reunited with our loved ones if we trust in God. I also believe that we should put aside any differences we have. Life is to short to be mad or unhappy with family. Mend those broken fences. Make an effort to visit with those loved ones. Especially the older ones. They are our history. If we don't listen to their stories and recollections, they're gone. And they can't be replaced. I'm not trying to preach, just been thinking since the funeral this morning. Life isn't long enough. I'm going to try and make an effort to visit with those relatives. Will you?
Rest in peace, Uncle Lindy. You will be missed.
Ivan
Being around all of this family made me realize something. Life isn't long enough. There is not enough time to take care of all your responsibilities, be it work or your own family, and be able to take the time to visit with your relatives. I mean, to really be able to sit down and talk to your Aunts and Uncles, your cousins, sometimes your own brothers or sisters. Then you have a day like today. I took time to speak to each of my Aunts and their husbands and my Uncle. But it isn't enough. Five or ten minutes is not enough time to convey how much these people mean to you.
When I was a kid, I thought 'these people aren't that old'. Now I am 46, and these people are getting old. We are all getting old. It seems like some of these people you only see at funerals. In fact, my cousin Tim commented, "It's pretty bad you have to go to a funeral to see each other." That's so true. And there will be more in the future.
At the dinner following the funeral somebody said that there was a party in Heaven. See, my cousin Gary, Uncle Lindy's son, died in 1982. (I hope that was the right year). Our Uncle Roland and Aunt Em died several years ago. Uncle John a few years ago. My Mom and Dad five years ago. Uncle Dwayne, last year. Other cousins also. I bet it was a party. The minister today used John 11:21-27 as his Gospel reading. Verses 25 and 26 read, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
I don't know about you, but I believe. We will be reunited with our loved ones if we trust in God. I also believe that we should put aside any differences we have. Life is to short to be mad or unhappy with family. Mend those broken fences. Make an effort to visit with those loved ones. Especially the older ones. They are our history. If we don't listen to their stories and recollections, they're gone. And they can't be replaced. I'm not trying to preach, just been thinking since the funeral this morning. Life isn't long enough. I'm going to try and make an effort to visit with those relatives. Will you?
Rest in peace, Uncle Lindy. You will be missed.
Ivan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)