Hey Guy’s! Long time, no blog!!!
Oh my, that was a bit of the hectic. It was like that episode of “The Brady Bunch”, the one where Carol Brady decides she wants to redo her and Mike’s bedroom. And then they have to do the hallway, and down the stairs and of course, the family room looks shabby. Remember that? Yeah, me too.
Let me just say, our house is clean and tidy. Except for my craft/hair room. That is a disaster. But, it is next on the list.
The reunion was fun! We had a couple of cancellations at the last minute, but we ended up having around 30 relatives there who share our family history! There were some I hadn’t seen in 20-30 years. I am so blessed to be a part of this group!
This branch was my paternal Grandfather’s family. He had 7 siblings, most of whom came from Marion, Kentucky to Detroit in search of work in the 1920’s. They were a tight knit bunch and quickly grew to be a huge clan. Even when I was a child, they were still gathering for holidays. I am not quite sure how large the gatherings became before they stopped getting together. I’m sure space became an issue! I do remember that most of them had extra kitchens in the basement to handle those sort of crowds. There was always a ton of good food!
We had hoped to have all of the siblings represented by their loved ones, but that didn’t quite work out. Still, we were so happy that many made the trip, from out of state, or just across town!
Here is the whole bunch!
And narrowed down by families. Here is our group, all from my Grandfather, Bob.
This is Robin and Cindy. Their Grandfather was Wallace. They are very funny girls! Their mother, Norma, who passed away earlier this year was one of the funniest people I ever knew. She was like Erma Bombeck. The girls told me on Saturday that at the mobile home park where their parents lived, they even had a Norma day parade! She was much loved. They were excited to hear that we had a new Homegoods in our town. They left with the directions in their hands.
This is the family of brother Bill. His wife is Adalene, seated. She is with her daughter Vickie and her husband Sam, and her other daughter Joyce with her son Joe, his wife Nicole, and their daughter Ella. Who was a precious little peanut! My Mother once asked Adalene why there were so many years between her daughters. She said “well, there was a war !”
This is Jerry and Sheila. Jerry’s Dad was brother Charlie. Charlie was the brother who returned to Marion, Kentucky to live on the family farm. His other son Stan still lives there with his family.
Here are Debby and Doug. Debby’s mom is the last remaining sibling, Isabel. Debby told a wonderful story about the mother of all of these siblings. She said that she had gone to visit her mother’s sister, Katherine, just before she passed away, and Katherine wanted her to know that her mother, Debby’s Grandmother, used to walk with her 8 children to a schoolhouse 3 miles away every Wednesday and Sunday for church services. She felt sure that that was why all of the children turned out to be so morally upright. Even today, the majority are still Christian servants of the Lord.
The other siblings were sisters Mary and Bert. Mary and her husband Ivo had no children, and no one from Bert’s family was able to attend. Katherine, who was mentioned above, had one daughter Dorothy. We were all so disappointed that her family was not able to make it at the last minute due to work schedules.
Here are cousins Joyce, Kay and Lynn. Kay and Lynn did all the planning, contacting and favors. Because I told them I don’t do that sort of thing. We were strictly responsible for the place and food. They did a wonderful job! Their Mom Ava was in on the whole thing as well. She is the ultimate party planner!
Here is Aunt Ava with cousin Vickie. Looking at pictures. There was a LOT of that going on.
Vickie is quite an artist. She painted this picture of the old homestead and presented it to Beeve and Goomba, as they are the last in the family line to bear the family name. Except for the males who actually live on the farm, and can go see it any time they want. I guess we had a lot of girls in the family!! This picture is to be passed down through the generations.
Last, but most certainly not least, was the video that Kay’s daughter Carol made. When everyone received their invitation, back in February, Kay asked everyone to look through their pictures and send 5-10 pictures of their families, young, middle and present. Also if they had any special ones from family gatherings. Carol then put them all together with music and it is a treasure. It was a wonderful reminder of this family, so many now gone on, and the legacy they have left to continue on. I believe I was not the only one with tears in my eyes when it was over. Thank you Carol, it was my very favorite part! She gave everyone a copy as a gift. I can’t wait to watch it again.
Watching the video. Here is Carol in the white shirt watching her work with her mom and dad, Kay and Stan. I was over there with The Boy, telling him who everyone was.
It was a wonderful day and I would not be a bit surprised if it happens again in a few years!
The next day we headed over to Leamington, Ontario, Canada to celebrate Honey’s aunt and uncle’s 50th wedding anniversary. I have pictures to share from that special day as well!
I am going out of town for the next couple of days with some of the Gals from our CareGroup, so I will not be blogging again. I hope you will not forget about me! I have so much to overshare!!
Be right back!
No Whining Allowed 
