Family

While most of us fretted and were constantly trying to work around the drips at the bottom of the ice cream mountain, keeping them from running down the cone and eventually over our hand, down an arm and then all over us, Mom started at the top and just worked her way down seemingly oblivious to the mess.

Christmas Eve candlelight service - 2009

You are a first born and also the son of a first born (your father), who, himself, was the first born son of a first born son (me, your grandfather).  

"When you were a baby and you dropped your bottle on the floor..."

Luke crawled over at record speed, pulled himself up on me so he we were eye to eye and...

Those 'aha moments' continue to surround us, and God's joy is always present if we slow down a bit and take it all in...

And, I love the language - "yah" "shooor" "youbetcha"  - something akin to living up in the Saginaw Valley and hanging around Frankenmuth a lot.

"Remember the year we spent most of the vacation motoring down around the bend to that reed bed because we kept finding schools of walleye just off there in about 12 feet of water?"

Lots of traditions have grown up over the years, one of which is awards, something I began about 15 years ago.  Largest fish, smallest fish, weirdest catch, best hand of cards, a traveling trophy with little plaques on it to keep track of the biggest game fish from each year's retreat.  And, of course, The Bozo Award.

An article by 7th grader, Mary Brown (Christ Lutheran School) that appeared in the February/March issue of Michigan In Touch, a publication of The Michigan District - LCMS.

Two Stories - a long story and a short story.  I could have also titled this "Bathroom Humor."  But then you may not have read it...

"Good afternoon, Mr. Strohacker, I know you like interesting stories so..."

(Cartoon)

Ever run up against that frustration known as the junior high boy who isn't motivated to do manual labor?

My brother has a beautiful lake house, and something he said  to me one Memorial Day weekend was the inspiration behind this cartoon as he let out some frustration concerning junior high nephews who wanted to come to the party but were reluctant to pitch in with some muscle for the preparations...

Pastor teaches the Confirmation class a bit of Greek and Hebrew every year.  He throws in a Latin phrase just for fun:  "Semper ube.  Sub ube."  (Always wear...Under wear)  Diane says Pastor would make an exception in the case of "that t-shirt."

Upset with me?  Maybe for a little while, but then she'll get over it...