February Birthdays

Happy Birthday in February
Sydney Johnson - February 3 - 6 years old
Trent Johnson - February 3 - 6 years old
Kelly Johnson - February 7
Marissa Sorensen Wagenblast - February 9 - 28
Irene Bailey - February 12 -
Carli Bailey - February 14 - 5 years old
Phil Smith - February 18
Rob Smith - February 19
Aaron Sorensen - February 23 - 23

Happy 10th Anniversary
Nick and Sarah Johnson - February 20

I hope that I haven't missed anyone!!

Yummy for the Tummy

Here is a website I just love.
www.thepioneerwomancooks.com

It is funny, and her recipes are amazing. Check out the apple dumplings. I NEVER thought I would cook with Mountain Dew, but darned if it isn't great. The guys are in love with the Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Thingies. Everything I have tried is truly delish, and don't miss the Orange Marmalade Yogurt Cake. Oh Boy!

Bon Appetit.

Cheryl

Custard Pie

Wow!!! Thanks Cheryl for the recipe. I look forward to trying this out next weekend. Fresh eggs and milk right off the farm - I'm sure that must have had something to do with how good the custard was.

Memory is an interesting thing...I can remember things like how good custard pie was but asked me what I did 30 minutes ago and I might be hard pressed to tell you. I've often wished that I could add more memory to my brain like I can to my computer.

I'm sure wishing I could be outside this afternoon... Such a beautiful sunshiny day and almost 60 degrees. A bit windy but other than that perfectly gorgeous.

More memories

What a rush of memories!! Thanks to Ang for correcting the date. I relied on my memory for the date, and that is a very dangerous thing to do at my age, lol. Grandma Grim did make the most luscious custard pie, and I have tried really hard to duplicate it. I have determined some of the things that made hers so special. I believe the whole milk and fresh eggs had a lot to do with it, and also the piecrust was always made with lard. She also had a nutmeg grater and sometimes grated fresh nutmeg on top.

Here is the recipe I use:

3 Eggs
2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
Nutmeg to taste
Unbaked pie crust

Beat the eggs and stir in sugar and milk. Add vanilla and pour into crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake at 350 Degrees until set. (I use 1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half to get the rich taste.)

I made this pie for Mrs. Gestwite's funeral dinner, and her husband was feeling so sad. He ate a piece of this, closed his eyes and smiled, and said, Oh, this tastes just like Mama's.

Anyway, Tuesday, January 20 is the day that has stirred so much in my mind. Including the fact that President Lyndon B. Johnson left office on that day 40 years ago. Grandma distinctly did not like him, she was totally convinced he somehow was involved with John F. Kennedy's assasination. I always thought it was a curious coincidence it happened that way. Now here we are, 40 years later, and January 20th will again see the start of a whole new day, Please God, let it bring prosperity, and most of all, Peace.

Cheryl

More history

I just wanted to share a few other things I've found while searching out our family genealogy.

Grandma married Thomas Benton Grim on January 1, 1911. He died in June 15, 1951.

The 1910 census shows that Grandpa was a boarder in the Eli Cox residence in May, 1910, Grandma was 18 when she and Grandpa were married.
Mom told me that Grandpa had come to Nebraska from Iowa when he was a young boy. Through my searching, I learned that his parents, Joshua and Sarah Rogers Grim came to the Phillips, Ne area in the late 1870's. It seems that they returned to Iowa after their oldest child, Roger was born. They are listed in the 1880 census in Hamilton County, Nebraska. Grandpa was born in Iowa and then they returned again to Nebraska. Sometime after 1884, Joshua and Sarah moved to the Custer Co. area. They have a homestead claim in on 9-27-1884 in Custer County. Sec 26 Township 17 Range 19. I don't know specifically where that is. It would be interesting to find it on an old township map. They show up in the 1900 census in Custer Township, Custer Co. and then in 1903 Joshua passed away. The story I've pieced together about Sarah is still quite disjointed so I will share that down the road when I can find a few more pieces. She died in 1929. Both Joshua and Sarah are buried in the Broken Bow Cemetery. I remember Grandma leaving flowers on Memorial Day when I was a little girl.

Joshua's sisters, Dianna, Mary and Margaret (Jenni) and brother Jacob and his father Joseph also came to Nebraska in the time frame. Joshua's mother, Mary had died in the the 1860's in Iowa.

Joshua also had a sister, Susannah and a brother David. David died in the Civil War having never married. Susannah married but had no children and
died in 1876 in Iowa.

Jacob never married and is buried in the Phillips Nebraska cemetery along with Mary who also never married and their father Joseph Grim. Dianna's husband, Joseph Megowen in also buried in Phillips. I have yet to trace Dianna's family further - she had two children.

Margaret married JP Cherry in Iowa and they had two children, Joseph and Vernie. I remember Mom referring to someone named Vernie who was a cousin. She thought that Vernie was Grandpa's sister Gertie's child but it appears this would have been the person she knew as Vernie. Margaret and JP are also buried in Phillips, NE.

Grandpa's brother, Roger, went to Wyoming and was a sheepherder there. He never married. Gertie married George Younkin and they had 4 children. 3 daughters and a son. About 2 years ago I found the widow of their son, George and spoke with her on the phone. Unfortunately she was in ill health and was able to only provide a few bits and pieces of info which I'm still trying to piece together.

Memories of Grandma Grim

Wow! What wonderful memories of such a tremendous woman. This photo was taken in the early 40's. The only one I could find on this computer to add to the memories of Grandma Grim. She was born Nettie Maude Cox on February 18, 1893 to Eli and Elizabeth Peacock Cox. Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, or as Grandma Nola remembered - Grandma Grim called her "Mommie". She was the oldest child of Eli. Lizzie had been married previously and had three children whose last name was Bowman. They were Henry L., John William, and Mary Moriah who was known as Aunt Rye. Eli and Elizabeth had 4 more children, Avalo, Virginia Samantha, Sam and Lester. Grandma referred to Virginia Samantha as Casey. She & Lester both lived in Oregon. Grandma and Uncle Jack went to Oregon to visit Aunt Casey sometime in the early 60's. They drove the old baby blue Ford Fairlane. Yes Jacki she was a women's libber before it was "in". I think of her as "fiercely independent". Even after she bought a new electric range she continue to cook on an old cookstove which was in the room she and Uncle Jack built onto the house.

Grandma always had a large garden. She had flower planters along the walk to the corral that were filled with snap dragons in the summer. She also loved Morning Glories. She made quilts, stitching many of the pieces by hand and often used old dresses as the material for the quilts. I remember many a cold winter evening when she would have a quilted stretched in the living room and would use yarn to tie it. She loved having her hair brushed and it was of utmost importance that you do it right. She wanted to feel the bristles against her scalp and when you were done brushing we put VO5 on it.

Grandma's driving was atrocious. She always hit the lilac bushes on one side or the other whenever she backed out of the driveway at our house in Berwyn. She often took me with her on her trips. I remember going to Omaha with her to visit Betty. She had built a box for me to sit on in the car so I could see out the window and read the signs for her. I think I was 7 the last time I went with her to Omaha. Mom was not happy with her because she didn't even ask Mom if I could go. She just told Uncle Jack to tell Mom that she had taken me to Omaha.

And she loved wrestling. She always watched it on television. And Bonanza and Gunsmoke were among her favorite TV programs.

Does anyone know the recipe for her custard pie? Of course I know she didn't have recipes as such but maybe someone remembers how she made it. I've tried different recipes and they never quite come up to Grandma's.

I could go on and on about her. I was only 9 when she died but my memories are vivid. I missed her then and I miss her still. I too would love to have just one hour to visit with her. So many questions I'd love to ask. I guess I hope that with this blog we can share these stories so that in 40 years one of our grandchildren can tell their children the stories again.

In Loving Memory of Nettie Maude Grim

February 18, 1893 - January 20, 1969

We will always love you!!

More Grandma Nettie....

Ahhh, AMEN to the cooking! We would wake up in the morning at the house east of Berwyn to the smell of bacon, ham or porkchops cooking. She would fry eggs in bacon grease until the edges were "lacy". And KCNI would be playing the "Polka Parade"! Does anyone remember how good a shot she was? She would line up tin cans on the top of the farmhand (you younger ones....that does not mean a hired hand!!!") and pick then off one at a time to teach us how to shoot. We always had a LOADED gun hanging over the door in case a varmit was trying to get any of the livestock. In today's world she would have been accused of child endangerment for having a loaded gun in a house full of kids! BUT we were taught gun safety and RESPECT! She was an extrordinary woman......a women's libber before it was fashionable. One time, she broke BOTH ankles and was in walking casts on both feet.....which she removed with a hammer when she got disgusted of hobbling around. She was not afraid of anything and I am so grateful God chose to give her to me for a Grandma. She always called me....Jacki Lee

Dyslexic

1893 not 1983

January 16

I thought a lot about our Grandma Grim today. Nettie Maude Cox Grim. She was born February 18, 1983. She left this world on January 16, 1967. Little Russell was with Grandma and Uncle Jack, he had gone to spend the night. He sat with Grandma and held her hand while Uncle Jack raced to Berwyn to get Grandma Nola. They made a valiant effort to get her to the hospital in Sargent. It was a night none of us will ever forget.

She was a fierce protector of her family. She raised six children, two of them with severe hearing disabilities. She struggled to pay for the farm she and Grandpa purchased together and then she lost him two years later.

She was a cook extraordinaire. Her chicken and noodles, dressing, and custard pie were just a few of the mouthwatering delicacies that would grace her table.

Lynnie sent me a poem about aprons recently, and remarked how it reminded him of Grandma Grim. She did always wear an apron, and it carried eggs, vegetables, baby chicks, and all manner of other daily chores.

She was one in a million. I wish I could spend just one more hour with her. I would love to hear her thoughts about all the beautiful children that have blessed this family. She would have loved each and every one of them.

God Bless you Grandma, I miss you.

Cheryl

Bbbbrrrrr

Bbbrrrr, again. lol. It is a sunny zero in Broken Bow. At least the wind is calm. I chatted with Kathryn last night after her doctor appointment. Nothing of significance was found, her heart, lungs, etc are all "normal" for a person of 85 years. Thank God. She did say she is feeling lots better since she is drinking more water. We discussed the possibility of getting a lifeline, which I assured her was a wonderful stress reliever for the folks who worry about her being alone. She really does want to continue to live in her own home for the time being. It is so lovely and comfortable and I can certainly understand her feelings.

I also talked with Les on his birthday yesterday. Tyler and Mandy have purchased a home. Hurray!! It is in Kearney, and they will take possession on February 13th. He also said Jordan has been invited to try out at Concordia college in Seward.

I heard on Good Morning America that the sunny southwest is the only place to be today. Congratulations, Lynnie and Vi. Enjoy!!

Love to all of you, Cheryl

Scholarship

Just a note to let you know that we (Megan, Tom & I) will meet again on the 27th of January to distribute scholarship funds. The next round of scholarships will be offered in September. Each of the siblings will receive a notice prior to the next deadline and we will give a longer deadline than was in this last offering. My fingers did the walking and my proofreading failed to notice that the 5th was supposed to be the 15th. If there is anyone out there who wanted to apply and because of the short deadline missed it please let me know asap.

Thanks for the inquiry about our anniversary party. Caitlyn put together a very nice dinner for us with table service and the works. Brian had to work so he wasn't able to be there. It was very nice. Two of Caitlyn's good friends helped out too.

No other exciting news happening here. We hope that Aunt Kathryn is feeling better.

Until next time.
Ang

More on Aunt Kackie

Hi all, just to pass on a phone conservation last night (Thurs) with Katherine. She sounded strong and said she was doing OK. Hasn't gotten all the results back from multiple tests but the cardilogist did not seem to concerned with her heart. She says "I guess I just wanted a little attention". We truly hope she is going to be alright. We look forward to seeing her when we come back in May for Caitlyn's graduation.

We are gathering tonight to prepare for our third annual "After the Holidays Huge Waterpark Fun Weekend". John & I host all our kids and and grandkids at what is billed as the largest indoor waterpark about an hour from our house. The kids, young and old alike, love it and it is a nice break for everyone. Even little Ivy, 3, remembers it from last year when "buckets of water fell on my head!" We are currently having a snowstorm but THAT WON'T STOP US!

Happy New Year to all of you! Jacki

Update on Aunt Kacky

Hello everyone

I just talked to Dan Newman a few minutes ago, (Monday evening), and he said the cardiologist that Kathryn saw today did not see anything too alarming. He ran some tests today, ordered a stress test for Wednesday, I believe, and made arrangements for her to see Dr. Pruden next week to learn test results. Dan said she is feeling a little tired, but ok, and still insisting that she does not want any fuss made.

Ang, how was the anniversary party?

Happy birthday to d'Aun.

Nighty night everyone,

Cheryl

Good Thoughts

Just sending along good thoughts and prayers for Kathryn. We will keep her high on the prayer list.

Update

Dan and Jaren came to the office this morning (Friday) and said the heart tests showed a problem, so she was staying in the hospital until at least Saturday. Gary is coming after work today, and then Dan and Jaren will go back to Kansas so Jaren can go back to work. Dan will return Sunday, so Gary can go home Sunday evening. Dan will then take Kathryn to the cardiologist Monday here in Broken Bow.

She is still insisting that she does not want to inconvience anyone. Dan says she has that Bailey stubborn streak. lol.

I will update if any news happens. Thanks to Nels Jr for such a wonderful way to communicate with everyone.

Cheryl

News

Hello everyone,

It was a shock this noon to get a call from Rob that Kathryn had passed out and was coming to Broken Bow hospital in the ambulance. Dan and Jaren had just arrived to spend New Years Day with her, and she blacked out shortly after they got there. Russ, Paula and I went to the hospital and were there to greet her when the ambulance got there. They checked her for heart and stroke, and found nothing wrong in those areas. She did have a weak pulse and was dehydrated. NOthing conclusive yet, but they think her kidneys might not be working quite right. She is alert and feeling ok, and embarassed she caused "such a fuss". I am sure they will have more info tomorrow when it is not a holiday.

I will keep you posted as soon as I know anything.

Cheryl

Happy New Year

Thanks for the anniversary wish & the birthday wish to Lynn. We celebrated quietly - well, except for Caitlyn's party with the girls...they got a little rowdy but were safe & sound here at home and not out on the roads.

Our sympathy to Marissa and Wade on the loss of Wade's dad.

I've been working on the genealogy and realize that I'm missing a bit of info on current generations. I need to add birthdays for Jamie Sorensen, Wade Wagenblast, Addison & Jayleigh Fuller and their mom, Ashley, Kerry Smith, Samuel Martin, Joni's youngest, Tim's wife, Jennifer and Matt Thomas. Also missing anniversary for Kim & Matt Thomas. Anyone who can help out with that info would be appreciated. I think I have all the new babies -- until the newest is born anyway. Congrats to Joel & Jaimie.
Anyway on that subject. I thought I would try and list the monthly birthdays and anniversaries here. So for starters here is the list for January. I hope I don't miss anyone.

Happy Birthday wishes to...
d'Aun on the 4th,
Les on the 14th,
Allysan Rapier, 9 years old on the 20th,
Nels Jr., on the 21st.
Justin Bailey 8 years old on the 28th,

Anniversary wishes to Jay & Ashley Fuller on the 25th.

We are looking forward to 2009. Plans have begun for Caitlyn's graduation on May 10th. We will be hosting a party for her following graduation at our home. Look for more details as the time grows closer.

Caitlyn is planning something for us this evening - she won't tell us what but it involves us leaving for the afternoon so we will spend our anniversary going to the movies and coming home to her surprise.

We wish you all the best!!!