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!!

 

 

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                      

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

 

 

Verse one:
I'm tired I'm worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes to keep on breathing
I've made mistakes
I've let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed by the weight of this world
Pre-chorus:
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left
Chorus:
Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn
I want to know a song can rise from ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
Cause i'm worn
Verse two:
I know I need to lift my eyes up
But I'm to weak
Life just won't let up
Pre-chorus
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left
Chorus:
Oh Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn
I want to know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
Cause I'm worn
Bridge:
My prayers are wearing thin
Ya I'm worn
Even before the day begins
Ya I'm worn
I've lost my will to fight
I'm worn
So heaven come and flood my eyes
Final Chorus:
Let me see redemption wins
Let me know the struggle ends
That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn
I want to know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life
And all that's dead inside can be reborn
Yes, all that's dead inside will be reborn
Though I'm worn
Ya I'm worn

Read more: Tenth Avenue North - Worn Lyrics | MetroLyrics

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.

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.

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!

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