Family Matters

Umphenour Road

Well, it finally happened.  You can no longer get to Grandpa's house - or Kristie and Paul's - from 69 Hwy.  They are only accessible now by the new frontage road. 

So, if you are coming from up North, you have to drive all the way to town, go East on E 1100 Road (across from Pump-N-Pete's), go under the new highway overpass, past the on ramp to the new highway, and head north on the new frontage road.

If you are like me and usually coming from the South (or from town) you have to remember to NOT go past the North exit of Pleasanton on the highway.  (So far I've only had to turnaround one time and come back to town.)

What I seriously dislike about this new development is that the frontage road is gravel from E 1100 Rd. to the lake road.

What is seriously cool about this new development is that the frontage road is called "Umphenour Road"!

Check it out!
 
Pretty cool, don't cha think?!!

Quentin's baptism

On May 17, Quentin made what I consider to be the most important decision of his life.  He accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized.  Quentin is not only my nephew, now he is my brother in Christ.  It was great that not only was I able to be there to celebrate this decision of Quentin's that has eternal consequences, but the entire Cooney family was here to watch as well.

Here are some photos taken from that morning.

  
Here Quentin is on the dias with Pastor Joe Perkins.  Before being baptized, Pastor Joe introduced Quentin to the congregation and told them about Quentin's decision to accept Christ as his savior.

 
Pastor Joe talking about the significance of baptism.

 
Getting ready to go under...

 
Introducing the new Quentin as the old self has been washed away!

 
Quentin bookended by his Grandpa Ed and Grandpa Lonnie.

 
The kids at the service to witness Quentin's baptism.
Back row: Cody, Quentin, Jace holding Breck, and Jae.
Front row: Brena, Molli Blou, Mollie Marie, and Jess.

 
Our two beautiful Molli(e)s - Molli Blou and Mollie Marie.

 
Brena and Mollie

  
Quentin and Pastor Joe

 
Quentin with Kate, Bret and a very pouty Mollie.

After church, most of us drove to Fort Scott to have a celebratory lunch at Ziggie's with Quentin.

 
Mollie is lovin' her some Jace.

 
Jae, Jace holding Mollie, Jess and Quentin

 
Jae holding Molli and Jace holding Mollie, Jess and Quentin (with Julie and Kate watching from the background)

 
Mollie and Jae having fun looking at their silly reflections in a car in the parking lot.

This was an incredible day for Quentin and I am so grateful that we were all able to share in this special day with him.

Pictures of my new toy

Many of you have heard that I purchased a new toy, well I thought you'd like to see a photo!

 

  

Gotcha! LOL... okay, I'm not sure calling this thing a "toy" is really accurate.  It's more like a modern day torture device or a piece of extreme exercise equipment disguised as a lawn mower! 

I thought self-propelled mowers were supposed to make the job EASIER!  Hello! 

I guess when I noticed the name of the mower was "BRUTE" I should have taken a clue.  Like it requires BRUTE strength to manhandle the darn thing or it is a BRUTE and will tear you up!

Okay, so I decided it was time to start mowing my own yard again.  I have hired someone to do my yard work for more years than I care to remember and I realized I could save quite a bit of money in the process as well as getting some exercise.  Since I spent quite a bit of savings on "the other toy" I decided to start saving where I could, thus my purchase of The BRUTE!

Actually, the mowing isn't the worst part - it's emptying the bag.  The first time I mowed the yard I could make almost one circle of the side yard before the bag had to be emptied.  I emptied the bag a lot that evening, it took me nearly four hours to mow my yard that night.  The guy who used to mow my yard saw me at the gas station later and said he'd been timing me and wondered if I was ready for him to take it back over.  (I nearly was at that point!)

But it's all good.  Every time I mow and I have a sore back or blisters on my thumbs (3 so far), I am reminded of what an amazing miracle the human body is and I am grateful for the ability to do physical labor with this body God has blessed me with.  And I've discovered that mowing the yard is a great time to think, I can't go any faster than self-propelled motor will allow.  It's been a great way to slow down and just enjoy the process of taking care of the things God has blessed me with. 

I had another adventure when I mowed a few nights ago.  The belt to the self-propeller jumped it's track and there was just no way to push the mower without it.  So I had to sit down and take the cover off the belt and figure out how to get it back on the track.  A few skinned knuckles and 30 minutes later and we were back in business.  (Why is it that you can't fix anything mechanical without skinning knuckles? Or at least I can't.) I was pretty excited that I was able to figure it out by myself and it didn't require a trip to Terry's small engine repair.  I had to make that trip already after I bent the blade - that's what happens when you run over a fairly large rock because you are trying to finish in the dark. 

Well, that's it for my toy story.  I will leave you with a glimpse of my other new toy.

 
This is a photo taken of the Venza the day I picked it up (6/12/2009) sitting in front of the dealership right after signing all the paperwork.  I actually haven't taken too many pictures of it yet.  None of the interior, in fact.  I drove it to Indiana last weekend for a reunion with my step-dad's family.  It was a really great trip!

July Birthdays and Wedding Anniversaries

Can you believe it, I'm actually getting birthdays posted before the month starts! LOL... 

Birthdays

• 4 - Our Country! Happy Independence Day!
• 8 – Grandma Katherine was born on July 8, 1924 (she would have been 85 this year)
• 8 – Shelby Vanderweide (yikes, Shelbie is 15, let me know when you get your learner's permit and I'll be sure to drive cautiously when I make it up to Atchison! LOL...)
• 8 – Ty Wayne Umphenour
• 23 – Denise Lampe
• 27 – Grandpa Edward Umphenour
• 29 - Kevin Umphenour

Anniversaries

• 4 - Judy and Tony DeNicola (my mom and step-dad are celebrating their 24th Anniversary - Congratulations!)
• 19 - Bret and Katie (6 years)

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!

Alex receives several scholarships

I know, don't pass out, I'm posting again... I can't believe it's been two weeks since I last posted, in an effort to catch up I'm just going to start posting whatever comes to mind or that I happen to find interesting or amusing. So things are going to be a little wonky for the next few weeks - meaning out of chronological order - if you haven't realized I'm a pretty linear thinker/doer and coloring outside the lines or getting things out of order is not my normal state of being.  So now that my brain is doing a complete backstroke and I've shared it with you all, let's get this ball rolling.

A couple of week's ago, Dad and I traveled to Topeka to watch Alex complete in her last Kansas High School Rodeo Finals.  She was competing in both Pole Bending and Barrel Racing.  She did not do very well in either event at the two shows I attended and I don't have any great shots to share with you - in fact, most of the decent shots show a pole down.  (Sorry Alex)

Alex did not qualify to go to the nationals this year.  When I asked if she was disappointed, she said she was a little but not too bad.  It was time for others to go and she was already looking forward to and planning for college.

However, I do have some great shots of Alex receiving a couple of scholarships during the presentation on Saturday afternoon.

 
Alex was one of two seniors that received the Virgil Miller Memorial Scholarship being presented here by Virgil's son, Jeff Miller.

  
In this photo Alex is receiving a Farm Credit Academic Scholarship.  Alex has made the High School Academic Rodeo Team since she started competing in high school rodeo; not surprising considering she was one of her class valedictorians.

Alex also received a third scholarship given by the Kansas High School Rodeo Association.

I also have to mention that when Alex was interviewing for one of the scholarships she'd applied for the interviewer told Alex she should be teaching kids how to apply for and interview for scholarships, he said she did fantastic!

Congratulations Alex on your successful high school rodeo career!  We are looking forward to watching you compete at the college level next. 

Free Photo Editing Class (online)

If you've ever been interested in learning about photo editing, now is the time.

JessicaSprague.com is offering a free class and she is even offering a free digital kit with the class.  If you click on the link, another window will open at her site that explains what the class is about.  She also provides a link on this page to download a 30-day trial of Photoshop Elements (PSE).  PSE is what I use for all of my photo editing as well as digital scrapbooking.

If you are already familiar with PSE, photo editing or digital scrapbooking you might want to browse her website anyway.  She has tons of free articles explaining different techniques you can use in PSE.

Let me know if you decide to give it a try.

Hugz!

Molli at the beach

Jess and Molli are spending this week with Dustin and his family at the beach.  It's an annual tradition, but this is Molli's first trip.

Jess sent me some photos last night and I wanted to share them with everyone.

 
I don't know for sure, but I think this is probably Molli tuckered out after the drive over to the beach.

 
Molli on the beach.  Love that hat, girlfriend!

 
Hmmm... looks like she wants to be out there in the waves.

 
"Ah, thanks Dad."  LOL... I wonder if she likes it.  I think this is probably her first experience in water besides the bathtub!

Family Canoe Trip Planned for July 15-17

Okay, the first hurdle is over.  We have established some dates.  We are going to head out on Wednesday, July 15 then canoe on Thursday, July 16 and then break camp and head home on Friday, July 17.

I'm still working on figuring out where we are going, so don't ask me that yet.  Just getting a date was challenging enough. LOL...

I will be looking for a campground with tent sites, camper sites (electric, water) as well as cabins.

If you are going to attend please let me know by next Wednesday, June 10.  Also let me know if you want a tent site, camper site, or cabin.

I will be gathering information on places, cost to canoe/raft, etc. over the next couple of days and will be following up on the blog in the very near future.

Alex and Kolbee's Graduation Party

Here are some photos from the party for Alex and Kolbee held at Grandpa's farm after the graduation ceremony.

The first group of shots are a few posed photos with the graduates and their folks.

 
Paul and Kristie kissing their graduate, Kolbee.

 
Paul, Kolbe and Kristie

 
Debi, Kevin, Alex, Kolbee, Paul and Kristie

 
Not sure what Alex is laughing at, but I love this photo ofher.

 
Debi, Alex and Kevin.

This next group of shots are just some casual photos of folks standing around a visiting, the kids opening their gifts, and the general milling around of friends and family.  I hope you love these get togethers as much as I do.  Where else would you see Sheila Wimmer, Shane Kastler, and Heath Umphenour at the same place? ;-D 

 
Sheila Wimmer with Audrey.  Sheila taught Michele and she also had Alex.  That is quite a teaching career and I'm sure she had quite a few stories to share with Alex about her mom.

  
Paul, trying to hide from the camera as usual.

 
Pastor Shane and Kevin

 
Ann Jackson visiting with Grandma Virginia

 
Kolbee checking out his T-shirt blanket.  The squares are made from some of Kolbee's T-shirts.  Kristie told Kolbee that she made the blanket. The look on his face is him saying "Really? You did this?" LOL... right Kolbee, she whipped that out between your sporting events, her work and taking care of her dad. 

 
Alex is showing off her new purse.

 
Kolbee checking out his new laptop.

 
Gary, David, DeWayne, and Kevin visiting.

 
David, Missy, Trenton, and Edward Lee.  Looks like Missy is telling quite a story - the men are all quiet.

 
Kolbee and Alex sitting on the ottman (made by Jada for Alex) opening and reading their cards.

 
Trenton and Edward Lee... not sure which is the bigger story teller.  Probably Edward Lee, he's been at it longer.  ;-D

 
Jess, Sheilah, Julie and Jae

 
Great GREAT Aunt Deanna holding Molli Blou.  (Check out Jae in the background, that little lady is always trying to get some part of her body in a photo.  Here it's her head, but she doesn't care if it's a foot or arm. LOL...)

 
The kids playing on the big slide.

 
The kids playing in the yard.  Isn't it good to see Grandpa's yard full of kids?

 
Mollie is cracking me up.  She is decked out in her little cowgirl finery and she's wearing her scooter/skateboarding helmet.  Jace was showing her a few tricks.

 
Aunt Patty holding little Olive.

 
Tommy visiting with Kolbee... Good to see you again, Tommy!

 
Now this is a normal site.  One of the big guys picking on one of the little guys.  (Okay, don't think you can call Dalton little!)  I'm sure Adam is just finally glad he's one of the "big guys!" HEHEHE

 
Oh my, it looks like Malachi is about to get a facefull of football.  I think Kaden got a hand on it and deflected it.  In the red shirt is Chase, then Adam and Dalton.  Isn't it funny to see our vehicles parked on the highway!?

 
This is Jace trying to jump up and touch the rim.  Check out the little shaver... he's a ways away from the rim, but he can jump a lot higher than I imagined.

 
Here is Judah on the move.  Someone better look out.  He's got a determined look on his face and a squirt gun full of water!

 
Here is a photo of Julie feeding Breck.  (This photo was taken at the graduation ceremony.)

This last group of photos are group shots.  A couple were taken at the gym because I wasn't sure they would be at the party.

  
Another photo taken at the graduation ceremony.  This is Clint's family.  The pretting little girl in pink is his daughter Bailey and his wife, April, is holding their little girl, Lainey.

 
I also got a photo of Adam Hamilton and his girlfriend Ashley Casey with their son, Talan, after the graduation ceremony.

  
Ty and his pops, Trenton

 
Grandpa sitting for a photo with Heath and his kids, Christian (little guy in blue), Chase (red) and Courtney.

 
Grandpa with Deanna, DeWayne, Cassidy, Jada, Dalton, and David

 
This photo cracks me up.  These two guys are going to be Freshman next year.  Can you believe they are the SAME AGE!  Well almost, Brenton is 8 months older, but a FOOT taller.  How adorable!?

 
Brenton, Danea and Breanna

 
Five Generations: Edward, Edward Lee, Julie, Jess and Molli Blou
(In the photo, Edward is seated.  Standing L to R: Jess, Julie and Edward Lee holding Molli Blou) 
Papa Jason is making faces at Molli, that's why her legs are sticking out straight and she is starting to smile.  She has a full body reaction to Papa Jason.

 
Grandpa Edward with the Cooneys: Jace, Jess, Jason, Julie holding Molli Blou and Jae.

Wow, that was a lot of photos.  I hope you enjoyed them!

June 2009 - Calendar of Events - updated 6/12

I'm going to try and post a calendar of events each month - at least during the summer - so we can keep up with each other.  I know this is in no way complete, yet; but I will continue to add dates as I get around to it or someone sends me a reminder!

Check back to see what's going on, who knows you might have a free evening to catch a baseball game, horse show or summer basketball game.

6/13/2009 updates in blue

06-01-2009 Monday: Quentin is the featured reader at Prescott Library Story Time, 10:00 AM (4-H Project)

06-01-2009 Monday: Jace's 8th grade graduation ceremony in South Carolina.

06-02-2009 Tuesday: Kasen and Karsten play T-ball at 6:00 PM; Kaden plays coachpitch at 7:00 PM (Pleasanton, behind the elementary school)

06-05-2009 Friday: Kasen and Karsten play T-ball at 6:00 PM; Kaden plays at 7:00 PM (Kincaid, fields are on south side of highway as going into town, I think)

06-05-2009 Friday: EKTEC Youth Rodeo, Uniontown Saddle Club, 7:00 PM

06-06-2009 Saturday:  Good Ol' Days (Fort Scott)

06-07-2009 Sunday:  Good Ol' Days (Fort Scott)

06-11-2009 Thursday:  Alex competing at KHSRA Rodeo Finals (Topeka, Kansas Expo Center - Domer Arena), need to confirm exactly when Alex races

06-12-2009 Friday:  Alex competing at KHSRA Rodeo Finals (Topeka, Kansas Expo Center - Domer Arena), 12:30 pm barrels and 7:00 pm pole bending (updated 6/12/2009)

1206-13-2009 Saturday:  Alex competing at KHSRA Rodeo Finals (Topeka, Kansas Expo Center - Domer Arena), 12:30 pm pole bending and 7:00 pm barrels (updated 6/12/2009)

06-13-2009 Saturday: MEKWHA Horse Show @ Chanute, Noon  Cancelled due to rain (updated 6/13/2009)

06-14-2009 Sunday:  Alex competing at KHSRA Rodeo Finals (Topeka, Kansas Expo Center - Domer Arena), need to confirm exactly when Alex races

06-14-2009 Sunday: MEKWHA Horse Show @ Iola, 10:00 AM

6-16-2009 Tuesday:  Breanna plays basketball at the Pleasanton Gym (earliest game time is 6pm, Danea checking times)

06-18-2009 Thursday:  Breanna playing co-ed slow pitch softball, Betty Ruth Willard East Field, Fort Scott @ 6:00 PM

06-19-2009 Friday: EKTEC Youth Rodeo, Uniontown Saddle Club, 7:00 PM

06-20-2009 Saturday: DeNicola Family Reunion in Indiana - Julie don't forget!  She's a grandma, that makes her old and forgetful! HEHEHE... love you, girl!

06-20-2009 Saturday: MEKWHA Horse Show @ Uniontown, Noon

06-21-2009 Sunday: MEKWHA Horse Show @ Pleasanton, 10:00 AM

06-25-2009 Thursday:  Breanna playing co-ed slow pitch softball, Betty Ruth Willard East Field, Fort Scott @ 7:00 PM

06-30-2009 Tuesday: Breck turns ONE YEAR OLD!  There's gotta be a party in here somewhere!

Wednesday Nights:  Mollie, Canyon, Aden, Randen all play T-ball at the Mound City ball fields.
Every Friday Night:  Colt races his auto at Butler, MO (Candace said this is all summer)
Every Saturday Night:  Colt races his auto at Nevada, MO (Candace said this is all summer)