Friday, November 28, 2008

How to tell the difference between cousin Pam and cousin Chris

In a hot basketball game today at Hamline University between the majestic Centennial High School Cougars and the hum-drum St. Paul Highland Park High School Something-or-Others, won by the fab Cougars, young cousin Moriah took a hit to the lip and was injured. Blood flowed, and a medic on the scene put on his rubber gloves to attend to our Mo, who
was not terribly fazed by this shocking occurrence.
Aunt Pam, seeing this, wanted to dial 911 on her cell phone, both to page an ambulance for Moriah and to summon the cops to arrest whoever the opposing player was who smacked our Mo! But cousin Chris wouldn't let her, saying that players must be Brave, Strong and Stoic.
This, friends, is the difference between cousins Pam and Chris. At top, Mo shows off her split lip. At right, cousin Chris demonstrates his best "stoic Dad face."

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

What our family matriarch is thankful for

Aunt Anna Sprick Smith, at 88 our extended family's matriarch (that's her above in her Navy uniform during World War II), wrote this for the blog just for Thanksgiving Day 2008: I was born in 1920, when women first got the right to vote. I'm thankful that I could vote for a gentleman who is black for president of the United States, and also that it would have been possible for a woman to be elected president. Since 2006, I've been especially thankful for my wonderful family and friends, who have helped me deal with a mild stroke. A niece [Patty] calls daily to check on what I may need. A brother [Elmer] phones often and brings fish and the best cookies, baked by his dear wife [Mavis]. A nephew [Sam] writes newsy letters and sends picture of his three sons [Tyler, Alex and Zachary] in their sports uniforms. A sister [Florence] calls weekly from California. A niece [Pam] keeps me informed with a blog of family news and visits often with a tasty meal. A caregiver friend [Jan] visits often with soup and grandchildren and also orders my medications. My sister [Kate] helps me with banking and organizing. Even the mailman hands me the mail with a smile. The sunshine in my living room lights up the world, and the evening sunsets are beautiful. My apartment building hallway gives me a place to walk with my walker without dogs, mud, snow, bugs or snakes. Friends in Apt. 202 bring the church news and the large-print sermons to me every Sunday. Other friends take me to a special communion service each month. Meals on Wheels are brought five days a week by friends who are so welcome. My [very large, Pam notes] armoire photo of our new president with my nephew [Dave] is a bright spot, also. My table often has a bouquet or plant sent by a lady who was a little red-headed first-grader in Mrs. Smith's class in 1956. I am thankful that age 88, I can read, write, enjoy my food sleep well, walk with a walker, have no pain, no headaches, and best of all, a loving family and friends. Love, Aunt Anna We're thankful for Anna! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

What the cousins are thankful for...

Cousin Dan sent this photo to express what he's thankful for:

_______________________________________________________ Cousin Sam wrote that he's grateful for: "Our family ... our faith ... our health ... our friends ... and our future." _______________________________________________________ Cousin Pam is grateful for the basics this year: good health, a good job (for now!), good friends, great siblings and cousins, a wonderful son, food, shelter and HER FABULOUS LITTLE PLACE IN LAKE CITY!

Winter campin' with cousins

Thanks to cousin Sam for sending these photos of young Zack's winter-camping expedition to Dan's Old Frontenac property with cousin Marty's Scout troop: Zack examined the mortal remains of a small forest creature.
The Cub Scout with his Uncle Dan and cousin Marty and the Broberg families' pooches.

A feast of family birthdays

Very Happy Birthdays to ... Sarah Heisler Sprick (Nov. 25), with two of her three daughters.
Steve Pepin (Nov. 25), with son Nathan.
Tanya Cook (Nov. 26), with brother Monty Leiser and mom Cindi O'Donahoe.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Return of the historical photo

Having completely run out of vintage family photos, we were thrilled and delighted to be sent this 1936 gem by Elmer of Ed and Elmer hulling walnuts with a corn sheller. Elmer-Joe wrote this: "Ed cranked the corn sheller while Joe fed the walnuts into the hopper. We dried the nuts and cracked them during the winter. The squirrels had to fend for themselves!"

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Millers put their heads together

Can't resist posting this photo of cousin Chris using daughter Moriah as a pillow a few years back. We stole it from Mo's Facebook site.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Our famous relative

At 88, our Anna is still being honored and lauded. This story was in the Red Wing Republican Eagle last week, and an identical story and photo also appeared in last week's Lake City Graphic. Yay, Anna!

Friday, November 7, 2008

A young Marine

Cousin Nathan Pepin, a U.S. Marine, with his proud parents, Patty and Steve of Red Wing, Minn.:

And, below, with Harry Greason and Harry's daughter, Jan Greason, in San Diego:

Two very proud Americans

Courtesy of Aunt Florence, a couple of photos ...

Florence Sprick Bye and Harry Greason at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., this fall.

Harry at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. During World War II, Harry fought from Tarawa to Okinawa in the Pacific.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Congrats to Tyler upon his confirmation!

We're happy to post these photos of cousin Tyler Broberg, who was confirmed this past weekend. Below, Tyler with some of his good-looking relatives:

Thinking of Mavis

All our thoughts are with Aunt Mavis, who had pacemaker surgery today. Her 81st birthday is tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 7, 2008). All best to you, dear Mavis! Saturday update: The surgery went well and Mavis is recovering. She might even be well enough to watch the Vikings-Packers game tomorrow. Though we're not so sure that is good for her heart!

Happy Birthday to Michael!

We're a day late in wishing Michael Northrup Happy 54th Birthday! Here he is a few years back with cousin Chats at Hilton Head, N.C.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Let the awwwwwws begin

Izzbee Miller was a princess for Halloween, and not at all scary. The kitten was cute, too.