Another Year

Hard to believe that another year is nearly gone. 2011 was not nearly as eventful as some years past however, the best event of our lives, since the birth of our own children occurred this year. Brian and Kristina welcomed their daughter, Serenity Yvonne Thomas into the world on October 18th, 2011. She is the light of our world. We are loving the role of granny & gramps.

Caitlyn finished up the spring semester 2011 at Wayne State College and then moved to Hays, Kansas where she is attending Ft. Hays State University. She has a nice apartment and will be getting a roommate in January. She works at a local restaurant and is enjoying the "college experience". This is much closer to home than the 6 hour trek from Wayne to McCook. It is nice that she is closer so she gets to see more of Serenity than she would have if she were still in Wayne. She has just finished her 5th semester of college...I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. She is doing well in school and looking forward with her eyes on her goals.

Brian and Kristina are adapting to life with baby. Brian never ceases to amaze me. Words can't describe how wonderful it was to watch him bond with his new baby daughter during those first hours after her birth. The love that emulated from daddy was simply incredible. My baby boy became a daddy and showed me just how much he loves that little girl. In addition to the birth of this sweet little girl...we spent the next two days moving the kids into their new home. It was indeed a busy week.

Fortunately for us...we didn't experience any medical emergencies in 2011, unlike our 2010. For that we are grateful.

Chris McCurdy's untimely death in May was a jolt that we won't soon forget. Such a good man taken from this life and the lives of his sons and daughters way to soon. Parents should not have to bury their children. Just days before Chris's death, I lost a good friend in a tragic fire. Teresa left 2 teenage sons. Her parents are now caring for the boys.

On a happier note, Lynn and I continue to play pool several times a week. It is a much needed diversion from the chaos of daily life. Our 9 ball team and our 8 ball team will be playing in the Regional Tournament in May for a chance (just a chance) to earn a spot in the National Tournament in Las Vegas. My ladies team is getting ready to finish the fall session. We will see if we can win a berth in the ladies tournament to be held in May. That one is a chance to win $$. In all reality, the $$ is a better deal for us. Las Vegas in the heat of August isn't exactly my cup of tea. I rather take a trip to beach in January.

The days continue to go by more quickly than ever. We are grateful for so many things. Each year as Christmas draws near, I am reminded of the days gone by and the many Christmas celebrations. 1969 - Ravenna, Nebraska - our last Christmas with Grandma Grim. Christmas 1977 - the year all 7 and their families gathered for Christmas in Ansley...Mike followed Santa out the door asking where the reindeer were. Santa told him they had run off and he had to go find them. All those children are now parents of such a great bunch of kids. Christmas 1983 - the year "there wasn't enough food" and Jacki, d'Aun and I had a great time playing cards...d'Aun came into her own that day when she flipped the cards at Jacki. Christmas 1984 - below zero temps for days on end followed by what seemed to be a heat wave on New Years Day when Lynn and I were married. Christmas 1987 - our first Christmas with Brian. Christmas 1988 - sad sad time after the loss of Grandpa Guy. Christmas 1991 - our first Christmas with Cait. Christmas 1996 - a trip to Arizona with Mom where we met Miss Baylee Rapier. Christmas 2001 - trip to Ohio where we spent the holiday with Momma, our last Christmas with her. Christmas 2009 - a quiet Christmas with our compact family, games, movies and such fun and all those years in between. So many wonderful memories of the good times. And looking forward to our first Christmas with our new granddaughter, "Sweet Serenity".

May this holiday season bring each of you joy and happiness. May the love of family gather round you to and always.

Ang

Hot, Hotter, Hottest

Well, it is official, August 2011 is now historicly the hottest month ever recorded for Arizona since they started keeping records. Average high temp 109 and average low was 89. We are hoping September gives us some relief.
Hope all is well with everyone and hope to see all at next years reunion. /Butch/

Sure is nice and warm here

With all the extreme weather rolling across the midwest and south we are fortunate for the 98 degree weather in Phoenix. Not only that but it has been cooling into the low 70's and upper 60's during the night. Lovely evenings to sit and swing in the hammock.
Hey y'all, come on down... I have decided to retire just like Cheryl has, when I am Damn good and ready... Probably in 760+ days. Besides, Vi couldn't stand putting up with me all day every day.

We wish all the Graduates the best and hate to miss any graduations but we are just not able to travel at this time.

Vi got me a Kindle for BD and boy is it fun. I can carry thousand's of books I don't read now. But once I retire, I will read them, yeah, sure... Best Wishes, All. Butch

In Memory

When I had the good fortune to spend a few hours with Lynnie, Vi, Joni and her two wonderful sons, Caleb and Sam I was reminded that I had not contributed to this blog on a regular basis. Facebook kind of took over but I've made it a mission to remember to write here once in a while as well.
Today, January 20, is the anniversary of the loss of our dear Grandma Grim. The times were so different back then in 1969. There wasn't a computer in any home in the world, and some folks didn't even have phone service. While I was just a little girl, only 9, I have such fond memories of Grandma Grim. She was only "Grim" because that was her last name. She had a great outlook on life, believed that anyone could accomplish anything they put their mind to, and loved us with every ounce of her being. She also could hold a grudge, so you never wanted to get on her bad side.

While visiting Lynnie and Vi, Vi shared a poem she wrote about Grandma which was written with such love and adoration, it brought me to tears. Whenever I wonder what route I should take next ... I am reminded that I come from a line of strong women who always worked hard and loved hard. Anything is possible.

2010 ended with a wonderful visit with family I had not seen in years and getting to meet two wonderful boys. Caleb and Sam delighted me with their tales. Their smiles are embedded on my mind. Joni is doing such a great job with them. And it was so good to see her after all these years.

2011 begins with many new plans ... new goals ...
May all of you find joy and happiness in each day of your life.