NICOLAS GETS BUZZED

EXIT KEYS

I made a very difficult decision this week. I asked to be taken off our church's worship ministry schedule. I've been at it a lot of years, and I feel somewhat like Forrest Gump in the movie, who in response to why he quits running, says, "I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now. And just like that, my runnin' days was over."

"...songs grow old
and music fades;
it's not about that anyway.
my worship is
the life I live."

(excerpt from The Life I Live by Jaime Jamgochian)

sound "on"

ANCESTRAL STORY

The print on the right shows a painting done by Wilhelmina Douglas-Hawley (1860-1958). She was an American artist who traveled to Holland to hone her craft. The painter spent a considerable amount of time in Rijsoord, a town that attracted not only local vacationers, but also artists because of its idyllic setting. The artist often asked the local people to pose for her paintings. One of those who agreed to sit for a painting was my grandmother, Mina Cornelia Van Nes. She is shown in the picture on the right "Mientje Van Nes aan het repelen". The artist portrayed my grandmother weaving flax, an industry which was a part of life in Rijsoord. I have been told that my grandmother sat for the artist while her family was vacationing in Rijsoord. But, secretly. Because posing for a painting would have been seen as an act of pride, and, therefore, a sin. This painting did not come to the attention of family until many years later.

On Sunday March 30th, 1879, Mina Cornelia Johanna Van Nes was the eleventh child born to Florus Van Nes and Cornelia Johanna Schumacher. Mientje would eventually marry Teunis Berkman. Together they had five children:

Cornelia (1914)
Marinus Johannes (1916)
Adriana Margaretha Catherina, my mom, (1918)
Flora (1921)
Florus (1924

I did not know my grandmother very well, because my parents had immigrated to the United States before I was born. My "Oma" died July 26, 1967, at the age of eighty-eight and three months.

My "Oma" Berkman, a few years before she died.

FELICITACIONES

The many faces of Vereni

Congratulations on your 29th Birthday!
You are a very special daughter-in-law.
May God bless you today and everyday!
We love you,
Mom and Dad

THE BEST THING

This past week I was having tea and conversation with Lizzie and Gracie. I asked each of them what is the best thing that has ever happened to them.

Lizzie's answer:
The best thing for me is when I got to ride a horse.
Gracie's answer:
The best thing for me is the day I met my friend, Brenda.

I SEE GREEN

No, milk prices are not rebounding yet, but Elly and Robbie's grass is coming up!

THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION

“What is the chief and highest end of man?”


The answer: “Man’s chief and highest end
is to glorify God,
and to enjoy him forever.”

A HALF CENTURY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VALERIE!
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE A HALF CENTURY OLD TODAY.
We are happy that you are part of our family. We've learned a lot from observing your approach to life and parenting. Enjoy this special day. May God soak you in blessings today and always.
With love and best wishes,
Harry and Flora

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. ~Mark Twain

*************************************
CELEBRATING AT BASS LAKE
Enjoying lunch on a shady spot of the deck.

The Guest of Honor relaxing in the shade after lunch.

"Kids" of all ages having fun in the sun.

MILD HOGS DUO - ROAD TRIP

After a long day's drive, Harry and Kim stopped the first night in Park City, Utah. Harry says that Park City makes Sun Valley look insignificant. The picture shows some of the development that was done for the 2002 Winter Olympics which were held in nearby Salt Lake City.

The second day's drive took the "mild hogs" to Green River, Utah...not a terribly interesting town, but convenient for entering the national parks which they wanted to explore the next day.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK - MOAB, UTAH
July 3, 2009

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
July 3, 2009

Plans to travel to the Flaming Gorge in Wyoming were thwarted by stormy weather, so Harry and Kim began heading home through colorful Colorado. Everything was lush and green because of all the rain we've seen in the West. They spent the night in Heber City, Utah where they were able to catch a fireworks show for the Fourth of July holiday.

"Steady Steeds"
Kim's "Steed" - 2006 Harley Davidson Heritage SoftTail
Harry's "Steed" - 2007 Harley Davidson Road King

Thanks you, Kim, for the great photographs!
Thanks you, God, for keeping the guys safe.

BIG NEWS

VERENI PASSED HER DRIVING TEST TODAY!!!!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
Ronald Reagan