Friday May 12, 2006

More Pictures From Our Trip to Minnesota

The Mothers

Cerwin’s mother Ella (right) with his youngest sister Doris.  Doris and Mother treasured the time they had together.

My stepmother Velma (right) reading to Japheth, Jeremiah, and Loraine.  Mother Hershey has had a special place in her heart for the Stauffers, ever since she and my dad visited them, along with Cerwin’s parents, throughout the years – going back to the time Bob and Doris lived in Canada. 

Since our fathers death (1997 & 2000), Cerwin and I enjoy taking our mothers to visit the Stauffer’s – every other year.  They would not be comfortable traveling alone, so we receive a double blessing – watching them have a good time and having a great time ourselves.

Us

This trip is a highlight for Cerwin because he gets time to be with his sister Doris’ family.  Pictured here (L. to R.) Cerwin, Loraine, Mother, Alisha, and Jen.

He especially enjoys helping Bob (right) in the shop.  Here they are moving the boat to the garage – to make repairs on a rainy day.

Are you surprised that one of my favorite things to do is capture memories with photographs?  This is how I look most times I am working on my Xanga blog – sitting on a La-Z-Boy with my laptop.  Judi liked to sit next to me as I edited photos. 

 Bob & Doris

I have used most of the good photos I took of Bob, but have not yet had opportunity to use this one on Xanga!  Bob is a great brother-in-law, wonderful friend, and skilled cabinetmaker.  It is thrilling to watch God work through his life as husband, father, grandfather, and pastor.  

Doris (yes, she and I share the same name) is a great hostess.  She has meal preparations scheduled ahead of time, making mealtime delicious and relaxing.  She is a godly example of what a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, and friend should be.  Here she is holding her newest treasure, granddaughter Alisha, as daughter-in-law Jen beams at her new baby.

The Stauffer Children

Juanita, a teacher’s assistant at a nearby public school, desires to be a godly example to her students.  She loves flowers and gardening, and is a great cook.  I enjoyed having her as my walking partner during this trip.  We made the two-mile trip to church twice – once on Sunday morning, and the other time to Jon and Jen’s house (they live next to the church).  Another time we probably walked a mile, taking time to visit neighbors Dawson and Hope. 

Japheth is owner of Stitch In Time (sewing machine sales and repairs), and a great husband and father.  He and Aimee are amazing parents, with hearts to serve the Lord.

Aimee (right – holding Loraine) is Japheth’s wife.  We slept in their home and were amazed at her care and patience with their five preschool children – the oldest will be five this summer.  

Jon (left), playing Pente with family friend Jesse, is skilled in carpentry and drywalling, and became a father the day we arrived in Minnesota.  It has been fun watching Jonathan move from a young, single man, to a godly husband and father.  

We are just getting to know Jen, Jon’s wife of one-and-a-half-years.  She is a joy to visit and a neat friend.  Baby Alisha was just five days old when I captured this picture of them walking home from church.  In the afternoon the young people had a Bible study at their house.  No wonder she was feeling a bit weary when we stopped for a short visit that evening!! 

Jon & Jen’s house.

Judi (left), the Stauffer’s youngest child loves her family and treasures moments spent with her Grandma.  She serves the Lord with her whole heart, is a great friend, and makes awesome bread and pies…

 …which is the reason for this sign at the end of their driveway.  Her goodies are a favorite at a local resort on Moose Lake.