The Summer of Graduations -2025

Three of our grandchildren graduated this summer. Two from high school and one from college. Graduate means to receive an academic degree or diploma.

“The two most important days of your life are when you were born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

May was certainly filled with Senior Art Shows for our college graduate and her graduation, high school celebrations from the small town, small high school class to the Texas graduation of several thousand. The Farmer didn’t get to attend Willow’s graduation in Texas as he had just had knee replacement surgery. Thankfully, our daughter Esther and granddaughter met me in Wichita and we traveled to the graduation. It was a wonderful trip and it was great to celebrate Willow. Asa’s graduation from high school was especially sweet as his high school was burned in an arson fire a couple of years ago. His small town is full of overcomers. Anna is our college graduate and she is now teaching high school art in her home town and has already been recognized for her achievements. Asa is off to Kansas State University and Willow will soon be going to Boston University.

Western Kansas is green even in September and the crops growing around our yard look exceptional. We have had just enough rains to keep things growing and green. Usually by this time of the year the buffalo grass is brown so we are enjoying this extension of green and praying for an abundant harvest. Picking corn has just begun in this area. Asa and Albert, his dad, came to our farm and used the Farmer’s lift in his shop to work on a pickup. It was fun to have them around for a few days this summer while Jenny our daughter-in-love was on a mission in Guatemala. The lift helps so much to work on things.

The Farmer’s sister, Dorothy passed this summer and went to meet her Savior. She was exactly fourteen years older than the Farmer as he was born on her fourteenth birthday. She said she never forgave him for messing up her birthday J but I think she did and loved having a little baby brother to dress up in tiny dresses. Her services were in St. Louis only two weeks before our family reunion. We were able to spend some much needed time with family and reminiscing. She will certainly be missed and it leaves the Farmer’s family of seven kids to just three left now.

We were not able to go on a SOWER mission this year due to the Farmer’s knee and surgery. Our hope is to be able to go next year. Some of our favorite couples to work with at these projects have experienced great loss. Two couples have suddenly lost their spouses and are trying to navigate how the future looks for their lives. We know that God has a plan and purpose for their future.

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God.”- Fyodor Dostoesky

Just like your summer of 2025 ours has been full and rewarding. We’ve experienced grieving, joys and celebrations. Spending time with family and is becoming even more important as we see grandchildren grow and spread their wings. Cherishing friendships is vital to our existence and our true happiness.

“ Cherish your friends and family as if your life depends on it. Because it does.”- Ann Richards

It’s a Wrap – Cousin Camp 2025

Well, it’s a wrap. Cousin camp 2025 is in the books. I have 12 grandchildren and I had three that were able to come this year. Some of them are growing up and have jobs and are having to be adults now. That’s so sad for grandma . Some are involved in all kinds of activities and have jobs too for the summer.

I am so thankful for the three that were able to come. We were able to meet up with one other grandson for an evening meal as he was home from college for a couple of weeks. Grandpa and Grandma are very blessed to be able to spend this time with these precious kids as we see our grandchildren are growing up.

” Some family trees bear an enormous crop of nuts!” -Wayne Huizenga

We had a great time and Grandpa helped them in the woodshop to make some beautiful bookends and Grandma kept them busy with all kinds of crafts. We painted with our toes (this was a special request from a couple of years ago) and got some masterpieces! They did a turtle, penguin and a star fish. They did better with their toes than this Grammy can do with her fingers! We did some beading pictures with beads and double stick tape. This was an idea from my niece and was a real hit! This group is a talented bunch. I was amazed at their creativity as they came up with some really neat projects.

Time with a few additional cousins.

We played some games, went swimming at the pool and enjoyed the waterslides at the pool here in Quinter. We also went to a trampoline park in Salina and we played putt putt golf in Hays so all in all, it was a successful time. I think the kids and grandpa and grandma were tired at the end of the time together, but it was a blessing to be able to have these cousins here.

We shared some great devotions in the morning and some prayer times. Nothing no nothing could make us richer than be able to spend this time with these kids and our Lord. We’re going to keep declaring Isaiah 59:21. “The Lord says that my spirit is upon you and my words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants or from the mouth of your descendants, descendants Says the Lord forevermore.”

“Family. A snug kind of word.” Fannie Hurst

What a precious friend we have in Jesus. And what a precious time with this group. Just this last weekend we were blessed to spend time with six of our grandkids. We ate lunch for Grandparents Day at Addie’s school. She is the only grandchild we have still in elementary school. We got to watch her brother’s run in Cross Country. Luke took first in the fifth grade boys’ race. Judah and Jake ran very well in their races also. Then we drove to Kansas State University to have lunch with two grandsons majoring in Computer Science. It was a delightful lunch just hearing them talk about their classes and their time there on campus.

Over the River and Through the Snow

November 1952 found quite a snowstorm from the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles and it stretched northward to the Minnesota lake country. It turned the Great Plains region into a frozen wasteland and slowed pre-Thanksgiving holiday travel to a crawl. Winds swept this storm through northeastward on winds reaching 60 mph.

“Moving rapidly out of Oklahoma and Texas, the storm shrieked across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin and spread to the mountain states of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Winds whipped the seven inch snowfall in Nebraska into towering drifts.” –taken from the Madera Tribune, November 1952.

In August of 1951 Alta Mae Brown left her home in Blackburn, Oklahoma and traveled to Eads, Colorado to assist her sister with the birth of her first child. Her sister, Norma Rose and her husband, Leo worked for the Jillie and Cannon Construction Company. This company built telephone lines and electrical lines. They built the lines that would bring electricity to rural communities and farms. They traveled to wherever the company had a contract and went to work. They often moved their families with them in trailer homes or apartments. These linemen were a hearty bunch of men who braved the elements, the mountains, swamps, and etc. to move electricity across this country.

“In the United States, the rural electrification drive during the New Deal led to widespread expansion in the number of jobs in the electric power industry. Many power linemen during that period traveled around the country following jobs as they became available in tower construction, substation construction, and wire stringing. These roving workers or “boomers” as they were called, were known as risk takers but also as hard workers with a strong sense of pride in their work.” –taken from Lowell Corp.com “The Evolution of the Lineman”.

Alta Mae was a beautiful young woman and she happened to meet one of her brother in law’s co-workers. His name was Elvin Jamison and he was from a farm in northwest Kansas. He had been discharged from the US Navy in June of 1946 and was so thankful to get back to the farm in Quinter. All of his letters home to his parents on the farm talked of his longing to return home for harvest. He was on a ship near the equator part of the time and near the Philippines. When he did get home for harvest, he had to wear a coat as he felt cold even in July in Kansas. His uncle was working for the Jillie and Cannon Construction Company and he convinced Elvin and his brothers that there was good income for linemen. They went to work for the company and moved to several different places with the crew.

“Home wasn’t a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together.” – Sarah Dessen

There seemed to be some real fireworks go off between the two when they met. Alta Mae thought she had met a rich Kansas farmer and Elvin thought he had met a rich woman of Native American heritage from Oklahoma. They both said later that they were both fooled. They did elope two weeks after meeting. They drove to Raton, New Mexico and were married by the Justice of the Peace on August 18, 1951. All of their belongings fit into the back seat of their car. Norma Rose’s elder sister completely abandoned her before her child was born.

For Thanksgiving 1952, Elvin, Alta Mae, Elvin’s younger brother Bobbie, his wife Loretta, and their seven month old baby boy decided to pile in the car and head back to the farmstead in northwest Kansas for the Thanksgiving holiday. They were currently residing and working in Clovis, New Mexico. The weather was good as they embarked on this journey and the young couples were excited to get home. Elvin and Alta Mae were expecting their first child and they all enjoyed Mike, the adorable baby boy.

As they reached the Oklahoma panhandle the weather began to take an ominous turn. In 1952 there were not many phones available in small towns and certainly there were no cell phones. The weather forecasting was not as technical in that day and many cars did not have radios. The wind began to pick up and the snow was heavy and it was blowing. This greatly reduced their ability to travel. Road closures began to impact their progress and the car heaters in that day were marginal, especially with 60mph winds. As there was really no place to stay the two young brothers continued to fight their way home. They knew if they could reach the farm there would be warmth, food and good times with family.

Some of the way they were not able to stay on the roadways but took to pastures and other ground where the snow was blown off of the fields. They let down some fences to pass the vehicle through and picked their way carefully home.

Their parents were very concerned about them but could get no report on their progress. Imagine their excitement when they finally saw the car coming down the driveway to the farm. Their precious sons, daughter-in-laws and grandbaby had arrived safely at the farm.

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” –Germany Kent

Baby Mike however became very ill with pneumonia from the treacherous journey and just barely escaped death. With all of the love and warmth of the family his life was spared and this family had a tremendous Thanksgiving, celebrating life, family, gratitude and love. They thanked the Lord for His help on a very difficult trip and for sparing the life of this precious little one.

Fall Fun

Louisburg Cider Mill was a fun destination for this grandma and some of her grandchildren. Our daughter let it slip on a phone call to her mother (this grandma) that they were thinking of going to the Cider Mill on the weekend. After clearing it with the Farmer, who was still hauling semi loads of corn, I decided that all else could wait while I drove to Kansas City for some delightful cider mill donuts and cider slush.

“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves. –Ann Drake

I had just been so sad that I didn’t have small grandkids who wanted to go to the pumpkin patch with me anymore. One autumn I went to five different pumpkin patches. Most were in Kansas but one was in Texas. Grandma and the grands had such a wonderful time. Although one hayrack ride did cause us some difficulties. The next day we had chigger bites all over and were quite uncomfortable for a few days.

One very warm day we were in a corn maze trying to find our way out of it. One of my grandsons was becoming quite anxious about whether we would ever find our way out of this hot maze. I told him to stop and listen. I said, “What do you hear?” He said, “Grandma, I hear a tractor.” I said,” Remember that we saw that tractor being used right at the entrance to this corn maze.” I suggested that if we moved towards the sound of the tractor we would find our way out. When we got out of that maze we had some snacks and some nice cold drinks and all was well with our adventure.

I don’t see how a pumpkin patch could be more sincere than this one. – Charlie Brown

On the way to the Cider Mill I got to visit one grandson at his college apartment and I got to have lunch with a granddaughter at a restaurant in her college town. On another trip I stopped in to see our oldest grandson who is now “adulting” and has a full time job. I also got to meet his girlfriend.

This fall has found us following one grandson through his final high school football season. We have had some interesting weather in the stands. One game it poured rain on us and another was really cold. We are experienced in this as we used to follow three sons and one daughter in their sports activities and it was not always ideal weather. Our grandson had a great season of football and is now starting wrestling. More bleacher time ahead!

Fall and fun at the Cider Mill with four of my grandchildren was the highlight to my favorite season. I’m so thankful I didn’t miss this time with them as they grow up so quickly. Of course the donuts were worth the drive also. YUM!

July Family Time

July started off with a “bang”. Pun intended! July fourth weekend had some of our children and grandchildren at our house. The weather was cool and ideal for cookouts, fireworks and just being together. Many years on the farm we were harvesting and not able to enjoy the Independence Day celebration as we liked to. I discovered that sparklers have advanced from the days when our children were little. The sparklers we had this year had all kinds of beautiful colors and seemed to sparkle in every direction.

I always think of my mother on this holiday as her birthday is on July 5^th. Her aunt always called her a “fizzle”. She was little but mighty for sure! The kids all called her “Mae-Maw”. She is missed at these times.

One son brought his camper and built a nice fire in the fire pit. His wife added color makers to the fire. It was mesmerizing as we all sat around the campfire and visited. Several different games were played and I think Luke who is ten won every hand of Sweep.

“Our family is just one tent away from a full-blown circus!”

Later in July on the 26 we had some more children and grandchildren come out for the weekend. Our son that lives in Flower Mound, TX brought his three teenagers, our son in Great Bend brought his wife and teenager, and our son and wife from Atwood came also. The local Dairy Queen was a hit for an ice cream treat for sure. We also played many board games and enjoyed spending time as a family. The time goes much too fast. Every moment has to be savored. Harper from Texas had one thing on her agenda and that was playing games. Grandma was happy to oblige.

“In my family, crazy doesn’t skip a generation.”

The first of August we traveled to Olathe to spend time with our daughter’s family while she had to head back to school early. It’s sad that teachers and librarians have to head back early but we had a great time helping kids with school supplies and enjoying summer’s last fling.

Where did it go? Summer, I mean.

Family, Fabric, Farmer and Flies

The Farmer and I traveled to Wisconsin for a great nephew’s wedding in June. It was a wonderful family time with the Farmer’s sister and lots of nieces and nephews. His three brothers have graduated to heaven. He is the only brother left. He still has all three sisters. Being with his family has become so much more precious due to this. That’s one reason we decided to make the trip.

It was a beautiful wedding in some amazing country and scenery. We were on a lake and only a short distance from Lake Superior. One day after the wedding we took a boat trip to Apostle Islands. The Farmer who always wears cowboy boots decided the day of the boat ride to wear sandals. MISTAKE! The black flies were awful on the boat and nearly ate us alive. They were fighting with vengeance. We had to warp the Farmer’s legs with this sweatshirt. The scenery was delightful but those flies!! Yikes!

“An optimist is one who believes that a fly is looking for a way to get out.”

“But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.“

-Exodus 8:22

We saw some wonderful scenery, lighthouses, rock formations, and ships on Lake Superior. We saw quilt shops and fabric shops. We were so fortunate to hit the corner of Michigan at their time of Quilt Hop Shop. Wow, God is so good. As I was driving back to our daughter’s house in Kansas City, I saw a sign for Missouri Star Quilt Company. It was 15 miles in the wrong direction but the car just turned that way. It was a thrill to see it and it fills up the whole town of Hamilton, MO. Of course, I had to buy some fabric. It was a wonderful little trip.

Family, Fabric, Farmer!! And Flies! Memorable!

Year of Jubilee

Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan.
Leviticus 25:10

A couple of young kids got married Fifty years ago. Now here we are in our year of Jubilee. We literally blinked our eyes and 50 years passed. We thought we were in love on that wedding day but we didn’t really know what love is. It didn’t matter though, because we learned what love truly is. It’s a determination to decide to love every day. Even when it seems difficult or impossible. It’s not impossible. We have traversed some difficult days during these fifty years. Some were devastating and troubling, but we set our faces to survive with our marriage and our children and most of all our faith in tact. Not just in tact but deeper. And God showed us the way and gave us the tools. Now here we are. We are more in love than we could even imagine at 19 and 24 years of age.

Too be fully seen by somebody, then and be loved anyhow- this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.
Elizabeth Gilbert

People that celebrated 50 years of marriage used to be pretty old. That sure doesn’t hold true anymore as we are still so young. At least in our own eyes. 😉 Our four precious children and our 12 grandchildren celebrated us by planning a get away in Breckenridge for our whole family. Everyone was able to attend. That was such a blessing as everybody is so busy. We were able to do hikes and eat gelato, play games and go out to eat one evening. They rented a house and we were so able to enjoy each day and the gorgeous scenery. A red fox came up below our balcony one day. We were very blessed by their sacrifices and were able to get a family picture. The farmer even took off the John Deere sweatshirt and put on a tie. It was truly a grand celebration.

A huge thank you goes out to our family for making this celebration of our Jubilee year perfect. This grandma was thrilled that all were able to attend. She also wants to say thank you to the Farmer for sticking around for 50 years.