Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Beautiful End to the Year


This was the view out our back windows two nights ago as we were getting ready for dinner. The sky was beautiful and we often have great sunset views. It only lasted like this for five minutes but we were all admiring it. Erin and I went out to look and take these pictures. I can see a scrapbook page on all of the sunset pictures I have!
Remember to enjoy the moment, some don't last forever. Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us!

The Simple Joy of a Book



This is currently one of Erin's favorite books, Posey Prefers Pink, probably because Erin prefers Pink! I caught her reading this at the kitchen table this morning. She knows the story by heart as we have read it so many times she is able to read it to herself. The thing that warms my heart is that she had no idea I was taking these pictures, no posing going on. The pure joy she had reading to herself was so sweet and sincere. She is already a book lover and has been since she was a baby.



Santa Returns to the Pole

We received this card 2 days ago from Santa. The inside reads Dear Friends It's Christmas think Jolly "Really Jolley!" Much Love, Santa "I'm back at the pole getting ready for '09 ... thanks for including me in your Christmas. C U next year. S.C.
Well, when I opened this and read it to the girls they ran outside to share it with their friends (it was that really warm day!) and there were so many squeals. I caught Lindy telling everyone, "he touched this card! I can't believe Santa sent a card when he got home!" It was very exciting and a nice little end to our Santa season.
Thank you for thinking of us Santa! And I love your little "secret greeting" did Mrs. Claus help pick that out?! We will see you next year, hope you have a good 2009!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Battle of the Bulge Remembrance Breakfast



Robert Mollenauer 1921-2000


I know that my uncles Bobby and Dave will enjoy this as will my mom, I need to give some of the background for the rest of you.

Back in September my mom brought Kyle an article from the Columbus Dispatch about the WWII veterans from the Battle of the Bulge. The veterans are concerned that as they get older their organization will die when they do, or they can recruit new members. Sometime in the middle of October, Kyle and I were talking and he said he thought he wanted to join the group that was in the newspaper. I had no idea what he was talking about! He got the article for me and we read it together. Being the history buff that he is especially about WWII, I have been wanting to find a way for him to talk with Vets and hear their stories. Kyle is an excellent story teller himself and he appreciates hearing others. He has a deep passion and respect for the military and all that served in the past or the present. It is more than just boys wanting to "play war". He reads everything he can get his hands on about strategy, leaders, relationships, geography, politics, weapons, true experience stories, and the tragedy.
I immediately got on line and found the nearest Battle of the Bulge Veterans chapter. The closest one to us was only 30 minutes away in Westerville. I emailed the contact and he responded right away that Kyle was more than welcome to attend their meetings. Kyle filled out his application and joined in honor of his Great-Grandfather, my Grandpa, Robert Mollenauer. My Grandpa would have loved all of this! He loved History as well and to think what stories he could have shared with Kyle would have been just incredible. Kyle is in awe that someone in our family served in this battle that he is so interested in.

Kyle (almost 3) with his Great Grandpa July 1999

We attended our first meeting in November. We had lunch and talked with vets and heard a very interesting talk about the WWII Museum that is located in New Orleans. They are in the process of major fundraising to add to the museum, which is the only one in the United States that is dedicated solely to WWII. Kyle and I whispered to each other that we were going to have to figure out how to make that a field trip for him, soon!
We had a great first meeting and met some wonderful men. The men were tickled to see a 12 year old boy at their meeting, taking such an interest in what they did for their country. The speaker from the museum came right up to Kyle, identified him right away as a homeschooler (it was a Wednesday afternoon!) and offered him all her book and DVD resources to borrow. Kyle took the military book that his Aunt Cyndi compiled for him about all the men in our families that have served in the military. We were able to share this with one gentlemen that gave us some suggestions about finding more information about my Grandpa and where exactly he was during the battle, we are still working on that!
Our December meeting was held the Saturday before Christmas and was a remembrance breakfast. Bill was able to join us which was nice for Kyle to have his parents to himself! The meeting was mainly social but was started with a reading that I want to share with the pictures. I am not sure who to give credit to, if it was one of the officers of the meeting or if they found this somewhere, but it was a very moving tribute.

The Remembrance Table




The Remembrance Ceremony
December 20, 2008

As you entered the room, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession or arms are missing from our midst. We call them "Brothers". They are unable to be with us this morning and so we remember them.


This table set for one is small - Symbolizing the frailty of one.
REMEMBER

The tablecloth is white - Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
REMEMBER

The Single Red Rose - displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith.
REMEMBER
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination.
REMEMBER
The White Candle, the candle is lit - Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit.
REMEMBER

The Red Candle, the candle is lit - For those who have passed on since the Battle of the Bulge of 1944.
REMEMBER
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
REMEMBER

There is Salt upon the bread plate - Symbolic of the families tears.
REMEMBER

The Glass is inverted - They cannot toast with us this day.
REMEMBER

The Chair is empty. They are not here.
REMEMBER
REMEMBER - All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you.
REMEMBER

Kyle and Mr. Frank Walsh
It was so well done, with such meaning. When we were done eating, one of the veterans, Mr. Frank Walsh, shared his story from the battle. It was a very emotional and moving speech. He remembers the details vividly, as if it were yesterday not 64 years ago. His daughter sat next to him wiping her tears, as he mourned for his lost comrades. To be able to serve in this battle was an act of bravery, to share your feelings and stories so openly is another huge act of bravery. Kyle was very touched by his story, his sacrifice, and his heroism.


I know this is blurry but I love the smile Frank has,
he is a remarkable man.
My Grandpa was there, I am sure he was looking down on his young great-grandson and so proud of him. There in his honor, on his own desire to be a part of this group.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cranberry Candles

This has was my favorite new holiday decoration! My creative friend had these on the table at the kids piano recital and I liked them so much I made them for our Chrismas table. I love how simple and pretty they look!








She is the Dancing Queen...

This post is for Aunt Gretchen! We had quite the dance party after Thanksgiving and Lindy gave a quick demo for everyone on Christmas. She has taken dance for 4 years but these moves are unlike anything she has been taught! Not sure where she got so creative but we were all in stitches laughing at her entertainment. So Gretch, when you need a quick pick me up just look at these pictures!



"Ride the Pony" complete with the
lasso!

"Shearing the Sheep"



"Milking the Cow"

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Merriest Christmas Ever!

Sharing our Christmas with you ~



Santa was here!



I found this hat for Kyle when I went
to visit Grandma at the VA Home. He
loved it!



Ethan got his own ipod!



Lindy and her new Felicity doll.

Paige with Kit - They are both so
spunky!

Erin with Julie who she says has
"luscious" hair!

Erin slept with us from 4am until she got up at 8.
She went running downstairs and came back up
and made me close my eyes as she led me down the
steps. When we got here she made me open my eyes
and told me, "this is the biggest present I have ever
seen!"

All the Miller children could not wait
to see what it was.
It's a Wii! Santa even included Mom and Dad and
got them Wii fit (Mom is not so sure she likes her
evaluation though as it said I was "weak". I am
going to chalk that up to having had major surgery
this year!)

Ethan was so happy to get a working watch from
Paige! About as happy as she was to give it!

There is nothing like that new big box of crayons
under the tree!

We won't be seeing Kyle for a while! He has some
great reading to do!

Molly and Samantha were dressed for Christmas
to join the new additions to the family.
It was American Girl Doll heaven!
Erin got this princess Barbie set with ALL the
princesses even Mulan!

Then she was off to try the Wii!
Ethan loved it!
They all did!
Whitney and BJ get in on the Princess fun!

BJ plays a wonderful Cinderella....
Grommy found this print for Kyle of the USS
Indianapolis that was signed by 3 surviving crew
members. We read the book Left for Dead this
past spring. It was a powerful story and this
will be something he will treasure forever.
Once again Gretchen and Whitney found the best
gift for mom. A beautiful print of Greece to remind
her of her trip this fall.

It seemed to be the year for pictures! Mom got
this hunt scene for Gretchen.
Our dinner table place cards were made by Paige.
She used Christmas chipboard decorations.

Our dining room table...
where I had the honor of sitting with Lindy, Paige,
and Ethan. The empty chair belonged to Erin who
was too busy in doll world to eat! I was flattered
that my kids wanted me to themselves. We had
great conversation about Webkinz and itunes.
The kitchen table....
looked so pretty with the new lantern and the
cranberry candles.
Lindy and Paige color before going to bed.

Erin shows off her new clip on
earrings.

And now this little monkey is off to bed!