Married in 1968!

…so was the other ham, and the pastries, and the sides, and rolls, and all of the pies and cake and hundreds of cookies in Georgia… so was the shrimp and brisket in Texas… and it was a right joy to see everyone again. (Some pictures are available if you are into that sort of thing). Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Do you ladies have any exact instructions for how to cook a Ham. With the pineapple on it and everything? I looked in the cookbook-but couldn’t find anything. THanks for the help!

I ran across this poem in a newsletter I received. It touched my heart. I hope it touches yours!

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below with tiny lights like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas Choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see pain in your heart, but I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear, and be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important, in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can’t count the blessings of love, he has for each of you.

So, have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear. Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Just a quick update on this sunny, yet COLD Iowa Sunday morning! I’m relaxing over a cup of Jeanie’s coffee in JEANIE’S KITCHEN once again! What an incredible, interesting few months I have had—-and such great trips to Iowa, each one getting harder to leave!

Some of you have known for awhile that Bill and I have been separated. After 36 years of marriage, this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I could not have kept my focus without this wonderful family. I will spare you the details, suffice it to say that at this time there is no indication of reconciliation.

After prayerful waiting, preparing, filing necessary paperwork in the court, more waiting, weighing the options, etc., etc. Anna and I packed the Buick and headed for Jeanie’s Kitchen on Wednesday. We arrived here Friday around noon and between the shivers due to the bitter cold, we are relaxing and so glad to be here.

We don’t have long-range plans—-God seems to allow me to see just to the horizon—no problem there! We do plan to stay for awhile. Krystyne and Amanda opted to stay with Bill in Colorado. This could become a permanent arrangement but will update you as the plan unfolds.

For now, I plan to try to find a small place that will allow my “baby” Anna AND my dog Angie. I’ll be looking for some kind of work to keep us in the black. I appreciate your prayers. I am looking to God for the answers each step of the way and am so glad I have Him as my guide.

We’re looking forward to a wonderfully, joyful Christmas and wish the same for each of you. Much love to all you guys. God is so good to all of us—what a comfort and joy!!!

Mary and Anna—-in Iowa at last!

Born in 1913!

Born in 1980!

Born in 1980!

Until I can get this posted to the stories page, I’m posting this story by Don here. Enjoy! Love, Andi

Brother John
By Don

There is a story posted that I have read several times that has prompted me to write a short story about my younger brother.

In my eyes growing up at home it was apparent top me that John was the favorite son, so I thought. Why I thought so was when ice cream cones were bought there was always an ice cream Sunday bought and given to little brother John.

My brother Ron and I being the older sons were expected to take on the farming chores in the absence of our Dad. We watched our brother John set back and did not have to do the farm chores at an early age like we did. What I thought we saw was John being favored over us.

Little did I know that when my twin left to join the Navy that I would make such an impression on brother John. The time that I spent at home without my twin at my side was a learning experience for the entire family.

I finally was forced into service a year after my twin. What I soon discovered was brother John had to grow up real fast and take over for not one person but two people. I’m sure Dad was not always the pleasant Dad that he appeared to be for you John.

I got the opportunity to watch John marry and raise a wonderful family that I am very proud of. The questions on how twins react to different things were fun to answer. Listening to you on describing what your twins do and what was done brought memories.

Brothers do matter and I am very glad to have a younger brother like him.

Rob & Jon, a birthday limerick

There once were two twins, Rob and Jon
Born to Robin and John
You’d think it vain
To give them their names
Unless you have met Rob and Jon

To have twins was mom’s destiny
When she sat you could not see her knees
After babies popped out
Doctor said with a shout
I wish I had been here to see

The twins were little terrorists
Their Vaseline antics gave us fits
Piano diving
Crazy driving
We spent our riches on stitches

Now Robert is married to Kristin
And they must have done some kissin’
Baby girl on the way
Oh happy day
Uncle Jonny will stand at the christenin’

Jonathan studies the law
He freezes his toes in St. Paul
Still every day
At some point on the way
He has to give Robert a call

So the towhead twins we remember
Born the 17th of December
Don’t dress the same
Anymore, anyway
Are still joined at the hip for forever

Happy Birthday!
Love,
Andi