JUNE 12, 2011 – ST. JOHN’S PICNIC – KEVIN POSTON RECEIVES A CALL

The weather was beautiful for the picnic at Riverside Park. Pastor Warnecke had an impressive Pentecostal sermon, and Kevin directed beautiful hymns sung by the St. John’s choir and parochial school children. Joshua and Jonah were among the children who sang. It was announced that Kevin had received a Call from Trinity Lutheran Church in Bay City, Michigan. He, Jenny, and all of their children are in our prayers as he deliberates where the Lord can best use his service. We decided to eat our lunch at the park. They had “loaded baked potatoes” which Dick loves.

JUNE 13, 2011 – WISCONSIN DELLS, HERE WE COME!

We rode up to Pioneer Park, Lake Delton, with Sue and Tim. The weather was perfect. When we got there, Dick went with Tim, Matt, and Chris while they golfed. He drove the golf cart. While they golfed, Sue, Holly, and I went to the Craft Mall, not too far from Pioneer Park. That place is huge and it seemed I walked miles with them looking at everything. Then I sat on a bench near the cashier’s desk waiting for them. The ladies at the desk entertained me with all kinds of “gossip”. Matt had “immediate family” tickets for the Tommy Bartlett Show, so we went there at night. Dick and I hadn’t been there for years, and really enjoyed the waterskiers, acrobats, juggler – “you like it, I do it again” – comedian, the colored lights waterfall, etc. It was fun! We stayed overnight at the trailer. Thank you, Holly and Matt, for giving us the bedroom for the night (they are living there during the summer while they work for Matt’s Seminary tuition). Also, thank you, Matt, for taking us to the Tommy Bartlett Show. On Tuesday, we went swimming at the pool and loved it! The weather again was fantastic, and we had a great time. We left Pioneer Park in the evening and got home around 9:00 p.m. Thank you, Sue and Tim, for taking us up there and back.

JUNE 19, 2011 – FATHERS’ DAY – BABY NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

We attended the Saturday night church service on June 18th at St. Mark’s. The next day was Father’s Day, so we went up to Pioneer Park again at Lake Delton with Sue and Tim. The loved ones who had gathered there to celebrate were Sue, Tim, Matt, Holly, Julie, Tom, Addie, Chris, Tim II, Megan, Timmy III, Jenny, Kevin, Joshua, Jonah, Conner, Tyler, Joanne and Jerry Brandt, and us. All of us ate and had a good time visiting together. Later on we went to the new Marleys restaurant (where Matt is a waiter) to eat. Sue and Tim gave Timmy and Dick a beautiful Four-Generation picture plaque with a wonderful picture of Dick, Tim I, Tim II, and Tim III in a very elegant frame. The words, “Children are born – traditions are passed – the love continues on”. Thank you, Sue and Tim! Each of the fathers – Dick, Jerry, Tim I, Tim II, Tom, and Kevin – were presented with cocky colored hats attached to a balloon.

Then “out of the blue” Matt made an announcement. He and holly are expecting a baby next year!!!! Wow! As Great-Grandpa Mueller exclaimed – WHOOPEE! All of us were very surprised. They were married August 13, 2010. Congratulations and God’s richest blessings, Matt and Holly! Your baby is our 27th great grandchild! Thank you, God!

Pictures of the whole group were taken outside by a waitress and then all of us went our separate ways. Joanne and Jerry Brandt were kind enough to take us back home to Watertown after a very exciting day.
Dick was delighted to find phone messages and cards from our other children wishing him a happy Father’s Day. Thank you!!!!

JUNE 22, 2011 – BABYSITTING GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN

Jenny and Kevin asked us to baby-sit their four boys – Joshua, Jonah, Conner, and Tyler. Jenny had an appointment at the Center for Women’s Health where she was going to have an ultrasound. Naturally, she wanted Kevin to come with her. We had a great time with the boys. They brought out a whole lot of Hot Wheel cars and tracks for them to go on. It kept them busy the whole time. When Jenny and Kevin came back, they showed us the ultrasound of their tiny little baby. How amazing! Ultrasound wasn’t even invented when we had our babies. It is truly a miracle!

JUNE 26, 2011 – FROM ST. MARK’S CHURCH BULLETIN

“Jerry Kastens Memorial ROC GOLF OUTING & BUFFET BANQUET will take place on Sunday, June 26th, at the Watertown Country Club (4:00 p.m. tee time). If you do not golf, please come for the buffet dinner and ROC presentation. The buffet will begin around 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $20.00. For a golfer, the total cost will be $58.00 which includes green fees, team prizes drawn, flag prizes on each hole, other prizes and the buffet. Sign up deadline for golf and meal is Monday, June 17th. Also consider donating an auction item or sponsor a hole. All proceeds go to The ROC. Any questions or any other inquires please contact Don Bartz at 920-261-1319 or debartz@charter.net.

Please mark your calendars – ROC RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE will be held July 21 – 23 (Trinity/St. Luke’s School -Western Campus). Volunteers are greatly needed. We are looking for volunteers to pick up tables, receive donations, sort and arrange tables for the sale 7/17 – 7/20, to work the sale and then for clean up on the 23rd. Every hour or two that you might be able to donate will help. Should you have any unusual or valuable items you would like to donate, please indicate these items when you drop them off for the sale. Besides selling at the sale we do have items that are sold on EBay. Please set aside your gently used, clean and workable items for this fund raiser. Sorry but we are unable to store things ahead of time and cannot receive any chemicals, TV’s, computers, large microwaves, encyclopedias, organs, and tires for the sale. Should you have any questions, please contact Ruth Uttech – 261-6772, or Pam Erdman – 261-9674. We are also looking for a third person to split some of the work involved in getting ready and managing the sale. We will again be receiving Thrivent funding if we reach our sales goal of $6,400.00”.

Dick and I went to the church service at St. Mark’s Saturday evening, the 25th. The words of the Liturgy and songs are projected on a large screen which is helpful for me because I have cataracts in both eyes. But we are not familiar with some of the contemporary hymns, so have decided to keep to our Sunday services which we usually attend.

On Sunday, the 26th, Steve came to our home before he went to the Jerry Kastens Memorial ROC Golf Outing at the Watertown Country Club north of Watertown (below the Koplin farm hill). He drove up in a beautiful black and white KIA! Wow, what a car! It has “all the bells and whistles” on it, as they say. I asked if I could drive it, and he said, “No way, I don’t even let my wife (Melody) drive it!” I was just kidding anyway. If I put one little scratch on it ———well——–. He brought his Dad a Father’s Day gift – a “Buffalo External Hard Drive – one terabyte. Dick was ecstatic! Then he went out to his KIA and brought in a beautiful plaque which he and his golf partner, Judge Tim Zuberbier, had been awarded for gaining 2nd place in a golf tournament at Waterford, WI. Good for you, Steve! He left around 3:15 P.M. for the golf outing which was to start at 4:00 P.M. We went later for the delicious buffet banquet, compliments of Steve. Many of Sue and Tim’s family were there, and all of us had a good time. Brandon Simmons and Samantha Fuchs from the ROC brought their mothers, Teresa Simmons and Linda Fuchs who made wonderful speeches about how much the ROC has done for Brandon and Samantha. Thankfully, there were quite a few people there.

JUNE 28, 2011 – REQUEST FROM CALENDAR COMMITTEE FOR ST. MARK’S SCHOOL

On June 22nd we received an e-mail letter from Mr Fred Uttech requesting families who have attended St. Mark’s school for several generations to gather for a group picture on Tuesday, June 28th at 6:30 P.M. The picture of the generations of members that have attended St. Mark’s School will be used as the cover of the 2011-12 St. Mark’s School Master Calendar”..

Since my three sisters, one brother, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all attended St. Mark’s, Dick and I went to have our picture taken by Di Lohr. I had asked Mr. Uttech if Dick could be on the picture and he said, “absolutely”! Years ago there were many Kuckkans at St. Mark’s. Now the only ones left are my cousins and me (now a Mueller). My little brother, Henry, went to be with Jesus in heaven shortly after he started first grade at St. Mark’s; also Beatrice, one of my sisters went to heaven in 2005. My other two sisters, Doloris, and Janet live in California.

We were asked to also bring grade school pictures to the St. Mark’s office to have them scanned on the computer so that they could give the original pictures back to us right away. I took three pictures, two of my Confirmation (April 2, 1944), one with my two cousins, Alice (Ebert) Fuchs, and Louis Kuckkan, one of me, and the other of Lucille Huebner (Thrams), Lorna Jaeger (Roberts), and me, Irene Kuckkan (Mueller). We were triplets – Ludie, Judy, and Trudie in a play called “Grandad Steps Out”. We look forward to seeing the calendar. We do wish more families had shown up.

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(JULY-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC We had a wonderful presentation by Pastor Isles at THE ROC on June 2nd. The group of over 50 people were given much information about prison ministry and asked many questions. We were reminded how the goal is to save souls for eternity through Christ, the Savior. That goal is shared by THE ROC and all of us. Three teens also shared their experiences of being bullied, how bad they felt and how the Gospel at THE ROC has helped them cope. The goal of saving souls was also seen as a young teen by the name of Crystal Gensch was baptized at THE ROC on May 26th. Thanks be to God.

ROC RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE, July 21, 22 23, Trinity/St. Luke’s School – Western Campus).

READY, SET, GO –

READY – Set aside your undamaged, workable treasures. Volunteer (Call Ruth Uttech 261-6772 or Pam Erdman 261-9674) to indicate the day(s) and time(s) you can help – even an hour or two can help. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Transport tables 7/17 at 10:30 a.m. and 7/23 about 2:00 p.m. (muscle power, trucks &/or trailers); Receive donations & sort items – 7/17 – 12:30 – 5, 7/18-20 8 – 5 , 7/21 – 22 8-5 and 7/23 8-12:30; Work the sale – assisting customers, keeping tables neat, accepting money & packing items; selling baked goods and soda; Baking for our bake sale (price your items, please); Clean up/pack up left over items – 7/23 12:30 until done. The more people we have that volunteer, the faster it will go.

SET – Drop off your rummage items 7/17 – 12:30 – 5, 7/18-20 – 8 – 5. Bake sale items can be dropped off any time during the sale. PLEASE do not drop them off outside the door if you come outside our receiving hours. Call and we will try to accommodate you.

GO – Come & buy – Thursday and Friday 7/21 & 22 from 8 – 5 and Sat. 8 – 12:30. Please note we close promptly at 12:30 so we can pack up, get left over items ready for pick up Twice as Nice and a number of other organizations.

Should you have any questions, please contact Ruth Uttech – 261-6772, or Pam Erdman – 261-9674. We are also looking for a third person to split some of the work involved in getting ready and managing the sale.

Thank you to all those who helped with the Pick ‘N Save Brat Fry. Many, many teens and some adults worked to raise $551.00 for THE ROC. There will also be a Brat Fry for The ROC on August 19 and 20 at Glenn’s Market Brat Stand. See you there.

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 – CELEBRATION OF FIREWORKS AT RIVERSIDE PARK

Dick and I babysat Julie and Tom’s little girl at Sue and Tim’s home while everyone went to the home where Julie, Tom, and Addie are to live to do some painting before they moved in July 16th. Addie is very independent, but did listen to us. It was a joy to be with her without everyone else around. Brian Pasch, Tom’s brother, had also come to help paint. He had his two sons with him, Bryce, and Carter. After a delicious meal Brian shot off a couple of powerful fireworks which he had brought along. But then it was decided to go over to Julie and Tom’s deck of their new home to set off the rest. It was quite a grand display. All of us then went to Sue and Tim’s home to watch the Riverside Park fireworks from their deck. As usual, those fireworks were great! I remember watching them with Ma, Pa, and my sisters when I was growing up.

JULY 4, 2011 – CELEBRATION OF WATERTOWN, WI. PARADE

Dick and I were a little late in leaving our home at 1520 Lakeside Terrace, which is on the south side of Watertown, to cross to the north side to watch the parade on Labaree Street as it left North 4th Street on its way to Riverside Park. So we watched the parade across from 802 North 4th Street, not too far from 9ll North 4th Street where Ma, Pa, three sisters (Beatrice, Doloris, Janet), one brother (Henry, Jr.), and I lived from 1940-1948. I took quite a few pictures of the parade, and was elated to see that Barbara Franz’s (a playmate of mine) home is in the background. It is a grand mansion; in fact, one of Watertown’s pioneers, John W. Cole, built the beautiful home in the 1850s for his wife. There were many interesting things in the parade – people on stilts, the Blue Revue, bands, Elvis, Mexican dancers, floats, Eberts Nursery (they gave out plants and I got one!), many tractors, antique cars, horses, etc. I did miss baton twirlers. Years ago every parade had baton twirlers. It’s a lost art.

JULY 4, 2011 – CELEBRATION OF JOANNE BRANDT’S 71ST BIRTHDAY (JULY 5TH)

Not to forget Joanne’s birthday, all of us went to Sue and Tim’s home to celebrate her birthday. Again, there was a delicious meal – and birthday cake! She was thrilled!

JULY 5, 2011 – AT AUGIE’S CHEF’S TABLE

Usually we go to “Augie’s Elite Cuisine” cooking show on Tuesdays. There weren’t four people to be at the Chef’s Table, so we volunteered. We indulged in eating “Chicken Scampi”, “Lemon Baked Quinoa”, and “Roasted Garlic Green Beans”. As usual, everything was delicious, and the plates so filled that we had to take home a “doggie bag”. Thank you, Kim and Augie!

JULY 5, 2011 – JOSHUA, JONAH, AND CONNER POSTON’S LIMEADE STAND

Dick and I went to 405 Dewey Avenue, Watertown, WI to a limeade stand “manned” by three of our great-grandsons, Joshua, Jonah, and Conner. It was a very hot day, and there they were under a huge very colorful striped umbrella selling refreshing limeade. While we were there, Tim, their grandfather, and Sue, their grandmother, also came to have a glass of limeade. These enterprising little boys were also selling some of their “Hot Wheel” cars (Dinky cars in Africa) for 25 cents each. We bought three of them – to remind us of the boys’ limeade stand. We think they did pretty well since Dewey Avenue is a well traveled road to Riverside Park.

JULY 7, 2011 – REHEARSAL OF BEKAH FAUGSTAD AND CHRIS MUELLER’S WEDDING

Joanne and Jerry Brandt were kind enough to let us ride with them to Mankato, Minnesota, where the rehearsal and wedding would be. The rehearsal was in beautiful Trinity Chapel which is on Bethany Lutheran College campus. After the rehearsal all of us went to the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church where the great meal which was prepared by Chris’s mother, Sue, was served. During the evening the “girls” went to a place in Mankato where there was a bachelorette party held for Bekah. We had beautiful hotel rooms at the City Center Hotel, thanks to the kindness of our daughter, Susie, and her husband, Jim.

JULY 8, 2011 – WEDDING OF BEKAH AND CHRIS

A beautiful white rose was pinned on my dress and also one on Dick’s suit lapel. We were ushered to the front of the chapel. The girls in the wedding looked beautiful in their white dresses with royal blue ribbons around their waists (there were THREE pregnant girls in the wedding party), and all of the men looked very handsome. Four-year-old Conner Poston, was the ring bearer, and looked so cute smiling as he walked down the very long aisle by himself. Of course, the bride, Bekah, outshone everyone. Earlier on in the service Dick was privileged to have two Scripture readings – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Colossians 3:12-17.

After the wedding many pictures were taken by the photographer. Guests were asked to go to another building for a “punch reception”. There was punch and many delicious cookies. Then all of us went to the City Center Hotel where the wedding reception would be held. The huge room was beautifully decorated. The chicken, rice, and green bean dinner was scrumptious! We were delighted to visit with Mr. Duane and Brigitte Polack from Eagle River, WI. Mr. Polack was the principal of Christ Lutheran School before Chris became Principal. Mr. Polack and I are related through the Kuckkans. Bekah and Chris’s address is: 315 Jonathan, Apt. N, Eagle River, WI. 54521

Having attended another glorious wedding in our family reminded me of the following:

WHY WAS WOMAN CREATED BY GOD?

In front of me on the wall – on the left side of my computer – is a plaque which says;

Woman was created from the rib of man
Not from his head to top him
Neither from his feet to be walked upon,
She was made from his side to be his equal
From beneath his arm to be protected by him
From very near his heart to be loved by him.

I think those are very wise words, don’t you?

JULY 16, 2011 – JULIE, TOM, AND ADDIE PASCH MOVE TO WATERTOWN

Sue and Tim went to Julie, Tom, and Addie’s home in Stoughton, WI, to help them move after their vacation at Pioneer Park, Lake Delton, WI. They used our truck and U-Haul trailers to move. On the 16th they started unpacking and lugging things into their new home. We helped by babysitting Addie and Tyler, the two little ones who will both have their 2nd birthdays – Addie August 1st and Tyler August 20th. They are both smart kids; started fighting over a book once, but we gave them another book and told them to sit together and look at their own book. It was so cute watching them. They showed pictures to each other and even “talked” together. Julie brought us sub sandwiches to eat for lunch, and in the evening when we were all together at Sue and Tim’s, Tom brought pizzas to eat. Thank you, Julie, and Tom.

JULY 16, 2011 – HERMAN SCHARP GOES TO HIS ETERNAL HOME

Herman, Betty, Gertie, Hilde, and Pauline Scharp all went to St. Mark’s parochial school with my sisters, Beatie, Lotty, brother Henry (he went to live with Jesus when he was 6 yezrs old), and me (my sister, Janet, was born when I was 18 years old). Herman was the youngest of the Scharps. I remember going to their home, and little “Hermie” would peek from around his mother’s skirts. He was 73 years old – died after a courageous battle of cancer of the esophagus. Dick and I had seen him and his wife, Audrey, at Hardee’s restaurant, and he could barely talk – only in a whisper. We went to his funeral at St. Mark’s July 20th. Betty and Hilde were thankful that we had come. Sadly, but joyfully, Gertie and Polly had already gone to their heavenly home.

JULY 21, 2011 – 30 YEARS OF SHUTTLING ENDS – CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA

Atlantis and four astronauts returned from the International Space Station in triumph today, bringing an end to NASA’S 30-year shuttle journey with one last rousing touchdown that drew cheers and tears. A record crowd of 2,000 gathered near the landing strip, thousands more packed Kennedy Space Center, and others watched from afar as NASA’S longest-running space-flight program came to a close. Space shuttle Atlantis was towed to the Orbiter Processing facility for decommissioning as hundreds of NASA employees gather at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The landing of Atlantis marks the end of NASA’S 30-year space shuttle program.

JULY 21, 22, 23, 2011 – ANNUAL ROC RUMMAGE SALE

JULY 25, 2011 – WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARTICLE – IN VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

TO: EDITOR – WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES July 22, 2011
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

There is a saying, “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure”. That saying was proven true when many people came to the Trinity/St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church gym on Western Avenue for the ROC (Recreation And Outreach Center for teens) annual Rummage and Bake Sale. It was held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 21-23. There were many kind volunteers who helped get tables, prepare, work the sale, and clean up.

People were asked to bring their donations to the gym from Sunday, July 17-Wednesday, July 20. My husband and I brought our donations on Wednesday. Besides the volunteers, there were other people who brought donations. One boy who was with his mother found a metal scooter among the donations. He could not get it apart, so I suggested to him that he should take it to my husband who is very mechanically minded. My husband did get it apart, and that boy was delirious with joy! He was scooting FAST between the tables from one aisle to another!

The next day people were coming and going all day long. We greeted and visited with many of them, some knowing people who attended my husband’s congregations in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas. One girl was holding tightly to a heavy chessboard which she and her mother had found. When I saw it, I recognized it as an onyx chessboard – and pieces – from Mexico. When my husband was a pastor in Weslaco, Texas, we walked across the border between the United States and Mexico on a bridge which overlooked the Rio Grande river. There is a little town by the name of Progreso right on the other side of the river, so we had our dental work done there by a very efficient dentist, and also did our Christmas shopping for relatives and friends. Many “Winter Texans” bought their medications there. There were the beautiful onyx chess sets, figurines (some of them onyx), blankets, leather purses and saddles, jewelry, and other wonderful things. We always enjoyed going to Progreso. We were overjoyed that the little girl was so happy with her chess set. A neighbor lady of ours was also absolutely thrilled with what she found at the ROC sale. She showed beautiful dresses and a little Indian sculpture to me which she found. She is part Indian and is a collector of Indian pieces.

So, like I said at the beginning of this article, “ONE PERSON’S JUNK IS ANOTHER PERSON’S TREASURE”. Everyone at the ROC Rummage Sale enjoyed themselves. No one was asked to pay for their treasures, but gave a gift for the ROC freely from their hearts. All of the volunteers deserve a big THANK YOU.

FROM: Irene Mueller
1520 Lakeside Terrace
Watertown, Wisconsin 53094
Phone: 920-206-0046

JULY 22-31, 2011 – CHEYENNE, WYOMING, FRONTIER DAYS

How we wish that we had been able to go to Wyoming for Cheyenne Frontier Days – the 115th Annual Daddy of ‘em All! Especially did we want to go because our great granddaughter, Sami Jo Heitsch, was the “Lady in Waiting”. That means that she rode in on her horse with other girls on their horses, and opened up the Frontier Days Rodeo every day. She was beautifully dressed in a cowgirl costume and hat – plus a special belt buckle! Next year she will be Miss Frontier of the Frontier Days. Our thoughts and prayers were with her and the whole family. Thank you for all the beautiful internet pictures – we loved them! We are happy for all of you.

JULY 25, 2011 – WHY DO I WRITE “MOM’S MEMOIRS”?

Some of you may think I write “MOM’S MEMOIRS’ because I need to “vent” – NOT !!! The main reason I am writing them is because I love our family very much, and when Grandpa and I have gone to our heavenly home, our children, their spouses, grandchildren, their spouses, our great-grandchildren, etc, will perhaps read “MOM’S MEMOIRS” and my loving messages will provide connection for the generations ahead. So often we wonder what our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and our forefathers’ lives were like. I try to remember as much as I can about my parents and grandparents – and write it down.

Not only should we share our memories, but we should pass on what work we do or have done. It could be your music, art, crafts, writing, recipes, or your thoughts about the memories of your lives. All of us have our joys – and our sorrows. It can be in the form of words, music, or products you have created. Those of us who have never met our grandparents or our great-grandparents often feel a void or lack of connection with our ancestors. That void no longer has to be there. You, as grandparents, can record, write, speak, crochet, knit, needlepoint, or paint your messages of love to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and ask your children to pass them forward in the future.

If you are parents, you can encourage your children’s grandparents to pass on the work by recording conversations with them about their childhood or even experiences into adulthood. Please pass on your songs, your woodwork, your sewing, your jokes, recipes, etc. Your loving messages will provide connection for the generations ahead.

That is the reason I write “MOM’S MEMOIRS’ – with love in my heart for each one of you. Dick (Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa) has helped me immensely, so it is our legacy to you and those who have come and will come after us. THANK YOU!

JULY 28, 2011 – VISITING RESIDENTS AT GOLDEN LIVING CENTER

Bill Birshing, retired organist (he still helps out) and choir director at St. Mark’s church, asked Dad and me if we would visit residents in the Golden Living Center, an assisted living nursing home. He told us that some of them do not have any visitors at all – they are stuck into the nursing home – and forgotten. We are “in good shape for the shape we are in” Dad tells people, so at 81 years of age, we are visiting residents there. We try to bring comfort and cheer through God’s Word to people who are younger than we are. One 80 year old lady who hadn’t been friendly the first time we visited her had just been told that her 61 year old daughter, the secretary of St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, had gone to her heavenly home the day before we visited. This time she was very glad to see us, and we pray we brought her some comfort. Others are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound. We also sing hymns for them, and some of them join in with us. Some of them know or knew some of my “Kuckkan” relatives. It is a blessing for us to visit the residents there! Dick always said after we visited with so many people during his full time ministry days that “THEY ENCOURAGE AND COMFORT US AS MUCH AS WE ENCOURAGE AND COMFORT THEM!” That is so true!

As we were leaving the Golden Living Center, we were headed for our car when someone called, “Pastor and Mrs. Mueller”. It was Pastor Jonathan Schultz who was pastor of Mountain View Evangelical Lutheran Church at Calgary, Canada. He was pastor there at the same time as our son-in-law, Jeffrey Heitsch, was pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Calgary (Jeff is now pastor of Good Shepherd in Cheyenne, Wyoming). What a pleasant surprise it was to see him. He thanked us for visiting Agnes Fenske, the mother of his member who had gone to her eternal home. He had come to visit her, too. Pastor Schultz is the pastor of St. Matthews Church in Oconomowoc now.

JULY 31, 2011 – ADDIE PASCH’S 2ND BIRTHDAY PARTY AT HER NEW HOME

Julie, Addie’s Mom, sent us a very clever invitation for Addie’s 2nd birthday to come to the Pasch’s new home at 1301 Newcastle Court, Watertown, Wisconsin. Her cousins, Jonah and Tyler Poston, Jenny and Kevin’s sons, also celebrated their birthdays – Jonah’s 6th and Tyler’s 2nd. Addie’s had a “Dora” cake, made by her Mom, and Jonah and Tyler had a “Dalmatian” cake, made by their Mom. The cakes were delicious! Again, everyone in the family had a lot of fun!

(AUGUST-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC What a wonderful day we all had at the Golf Outing for THE ROC on Sunday, June 26th. The weather was beautiful and the fellowship was greatly enjoyed by all. A highlight of the event was when two parents of teens who attend THE ROC shared their feelings about THE ROC. Theresa Simmons, the mother of Brandon, and Linda Fuchs, the mother of Samantha, both gave touching presentations about how the Gospel of Christ taught and practiced at THE ROC has changed their children greatly. Both mothers expressed great appreciation for how their children have found respect, acceptance, friendship, love and forgiveness at THE ROC. The group at the event was clearly moved by what the mothers shared. The event also raised $7,863.00 for THE ROC which is more than last year by a few dollars. Another event for THE ROC will be the Brat Fry on Friday and Saturday, August 19th and 20th, at Glenn’s Brat Haus (722 W. Main Street), 10:00-3:00 both days. Any adults who would like to help are asked to call (206-9581 or 261-4444) or e-mail (wttnroc@sbcglobal.net) Pastor/Director Mueller. Please plan to stop by for lunch at the Brat Stand. Thank you.

AUGUST 3, 2011 – THE WELS 14TH ANNUAL CALLED WORKERS REUNION

The Reunion was held at Luther Prep (formerly Northwestern Prep). We saw quite a few of Dick’s and my classmates and their wives. We sat with Pastor Bill Hein and his wife, but talked with quite a few of the others we knew, too. How did all of us get so old ????? We had a wonderful surprise! Our son, Tim, it turned out was the speaker! His very interesting lecture was about the important work being done at the ROC (Recreation & Outreach Center for teens). He sat with us after the lecture, and all of us enjoyed a delicious dinner.

AUGUST 6, 2011 – BABY-SITTING ADDIE PASCH

We were asked by Julie and Tom if we would help baby-sit Addie between the time when Tim would leave for the ROC and Sue would come home from work – 2:30-6:00 P.M. Of course we would! She had just had her nap when we got there. We had her all to ourselves which doesn’t happen often. There was a TV movie on, but since it still was quite warm outside, I decided to take Addie for a “swim” in Sue and Tim’s pool Of course, you guessed it – I had brought my swimming suit! So I changed into it and then changed Addie into hers. We had a great time. I am trying to teach her how to swim – getting her arms and legs moving while I hold her up. She was a little leery of that, but she will learn. I sang “The Farmer in the Dell” and other little songs to her while we twirled in the water, which helped. When Julie and Tom arrived first, I asked Julie if I had taught her to swim at Pioneer Park, and she said, “Yes, you did, Grandma!” There are many great swimmers in our family. Our daughter, Debbie (a great swimmer) teaches children how to swim in her and Glen’s pool at their home in Colgate, WI.

Everyone knew the Mueller family children at the Olympic-size swimming pool in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa, when they attended the International School and competed in swimming “galas” against other Lusaka schools as very strong swimmers who would win many races and receive medals and ribbons. Also, they swam in galas in the Country Club swimming pool in Blantyre, Malawi (we joined the Country Club – where the rates were low – because it had a swimming pool), and all of our children did well – more ribbons and medals.

AUGUST 7, 2011 – 1ST BRIGADE BAND CONCERT

The band concert was held on the grounds of the famous Octagon House, 919 Charles Street, Watertown, Wisconsin. The 8-sided 4-story home was built by John Richards, a pioneer, and was first lived in by Mr. Richards, his wife, Eliza, and family. It is now a museum. There is a beautiful fountain of a young girl, holding a bird, on the grounds which once were in the old Memorial Park when we lived across from it at Cady Street when I was about 10 years old. I used to admire it, and am happy it is near the Octagon House. There is also an Indian statue which was once in the middle of West Main Street. My mother remembered that.

Anyway, Dick and I at first sat way in the back on our folding chairs. We had not been to the concert other years, and did not expect so many people. We enjoyed it very much, and as it came to the end, Dick said that I should take my camera and try to get nearer the front to take pictures – which I did! And I got some great ones, thanks to him. Some are of women dressed in “hoop” skirts, as they did in the old days, walking around. We talked to some of the band members who showed us their very old and valuable instruments. One man’s name is “Brian”, who was made fun of during the concert by one of the speakers, for his big nose, which we didn’t think was big at all. We had a very enjoyable day, and God willing, will probably go again next year.

AUGUST 10, 2011 – LEFT EYE CATARACT OPERATION

The doctor who operated on my left eye is Dr. Edward Hoy, and the operation was at Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center. It was scheduled for 6:00 A.M., so we were up at 4:30 A.M. A quite big young man named “Joe” came to the lobby to take me to a room where they got me ready. A nurse by the name of “Mickey Aikins” (wife of a Baptist pastor in Jefferson, WI) asked all kinds of questions. Then I was taken to the operating room. Another big young man was one of the nurses. He turned out to be “Gary Muir”, a neighbor boy – all grown up now – who with his parents lived next door to us when we bought a house at 1117 North 2nd Street in Watertown after we returned from Africa in 1972. What a surprise! I received shots to numb my left eye, and then Dr. Hoy did the operation. My face was covered with white sterile material, and all I could see were their shadows and lights. There was no pain. Mickey, the nurse, had told us in the room before the operation that if she ever has to have an eye operation, Dr. Hoy would do the operation. He is meticulous! I was taken back to the room, and soon was joined by Dick. And they served breakfast to me! Can you believe that? We have only kind words to say about Dr. Hoy and the Medical Center staff. Oh, one more thing – I was wheeled out to the parking lot by “Irene (Schliewe) Zwieg”. Irene was my classmate for eight years at St. Mark’s Parochial School. I asked her how old she is, and she said 82! Another surprise! Dick has always said during his ministry, “THE LORD WILL PROVIDE” – AND AGAIN HE DID! HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR US!

AUGUST 10, 13, 14 – 2011 – ROC BRAT FRY – ST. MARK’S BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

“Come and support our Watertown Recreation & Outreach Center (THE ROC) For Youth by stopping for lunch (brats, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sauerkraut, chips, soda or water) at Glen’s Market Brat Stand (722 W. Main St.) Friday, August 19th, and Saturday, August 20th, between 10 AM and 3 PM. Our ROC Staff, Friends, & Youth will be cooking and serving. See you for lunch!”

AUGUST 11-14, 2011 – WATERTOWN 25TH ANNIVERSARY RIVERFEST

Riverfest is an annual affair at Riverside Park. There are food, games, music, rides, craft fair, car show, raft race, fireworks, etc. On the 13th there was a “Carp Classic” contest in which Joshua, Jonah, and Conner participated. We went to watch them fish on the island, even though there was some rain. They received fish poles as prizes for taking part. Sue, Tim, Kevin, Jenny, Julie, Tom, and Joanne and Jerry Brandt were also there.

In the evening we went to hear Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, sons of Ricky Nelson, the singer, and grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, who were on television many years ago after it was first invented. The name of the Nelsons show was “Ricky Remembered”, and we enjoyed it very much.

AUGUST 14, 2011 – DICK IS SICK

On Sunday, August 14 (would have been my father, Henry Kuckkan’s 107th birthday), Dick was so weak that he had difficulty getting out of his Lazy Boy chair. He went to bed, but the next morning our bed was shaking because he had severe chills. He asked for more covering and stayed in bed all day. But, he fell twice trying to get up to go to the bathroom. Thank God I managed to get him up. I had an eye appointment at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, and was blessed that Tom Pasch, Julie’s husband, was able to take me to the appointment and back (Tim, Sue, and Julie were at Pioneer Park at Lake Delton, WI. We called Julie thinking she was in Watertown, and she suggested that we call Tom). Dick would not hear of me not keeping that appointment. I made him promise not to get out of bed while I was gone. Tom took me to the appointment, and was kind enough, too, to stop at Walgreen’s and pick up a thermometer so Dick’s temperature could be taken. Thank you, Tom! Dick was able to get up by himself with the help of two canes on Tuesday, and started feeling better even though he still was weak. Pastor Jensen told him after the church service last Sunday morning that there was a lot of urinary tract infection going around. We are thankful and happy that his temperature is back to normal and he is feeling better.    

AUGUST 18, 2011 – A WONDERFUL SURPRISE FOR ME!

Tim walked into our home carrying a new computer for me. He said that my old one was too slow, even though I appreciated having it. He told Dick and me that the computer and monitor came from Timmy, who received it from the Gunderson Hospital in LaCrosse! (Dick was born in that hospital on September 7, 1929). Tim worked hard to set it all up, and it worked great! I used it that very same evening to write an e-mail to all in the family. I told them about my cataract operation on August 10th, and Dick having gotten sick on August 14th. But when I turned the computer on Thursday morning, alas! – black and blue lines were across the screen. Soooo, Tim came Sunday morning, said something about the RAM card not working right, replaced it, and now it is working great again – hooray!!!! Thank you, Tim, and Timmy!

AUGUST 19, 2011 – THE HAMBURGERS WERE GREAT!

Dick and I went to the brat stand at about 1:30 PM and ate some delicious hamburgers. Tim, a volunteer, and quite a few teens were there cooking and taking care of serving customers. We sat with two ladies who work in the St. Mark’s church office and two teens. It was very interesting talking with all of them.

AUGUST 20, 2011 – HELEN’S HEARING AIDS ADJUSTED FOR DICK

We drove to Debbie and Glen’s home in Colgate, WI, on Saturday, August 20th. Debbie then took us to Mark, Jamie, and Aubrey’s home in Jackson, WI. After eating lunch at Culver’s, Jamie then drove us all to Costco in Grafton, WI. where Dick, we hoped, could have the hearing aids from his sister, Helen, adjusted. Jamie pointed out Aurora Medical Center near Costco where she works and rehabilitates patients. Thank God the hearing aid specialist, Valerie, was available even though the huge store was packed. Debbie, Jamie, Aubrey, and I wandered around and did a little shopping. Mark, Jamie’s husband, was there working at a kiosk for ATT. The specialist told Dick that his hearing is very like Helen’s although Dick’s hearing is worse in his left ear.

We went back to Jamie and Mark’s home, and then to Debbie and Glen’s. Glen was home from work, so we had a nice visit with him too. Dave Chmielewski, Nicki’s husband, came because he and Glen were going fishing. We had a nice visit with him, and then headed back to Watertown. We stopped at the ROC to visit with Tim, the volunteer, and the teens. Tim was conducting a very interesting devotion about David and Bathsheba – and forgiveness!

We thank God for all the blessings he again bestowed on us. Thank you, Debbie and Jamie, for taking the time to take us to Costco. Dick now says that now “the hearing aids work too well”. I don’t have to shout at him any more to be heard. He actually hears the birds singing, clocks ticking, and other sounds he hasn’t heard for years. They have opened a new world for Dick. They are a God-send for both of us. 

AUGUST 28, 2011 – H U R R I C A N E I R E N E – NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!

Thousands of permanent residents and tourists were evacuated along the eastern coast of the United States and ships were ordered to leave ports because ships at sea can better weather storms. Two million people were told to get out of its way. The storm left millions without power across much of the Eastern Seaboard, killed at least 25 people, and forced airlines to cancel at least 9,000 flights. It never became the big-city nightmare forecasters and public officials had warned about, but it caused the worst flooding in Vermont. Hundreds of Vermonters were told to leave their homes after Irene dumped several inches of rain on the landlocked state. Gov. Peter Shumlin called it the worst flooding in a century, and the state was declared a federal disaster area. Communities were cut off, hundreds of roads were closed, and at least three historic covered bridges were lost. New York’s transit system shut down for the first time in its history, and was taking many hours to get back on line. Even the Stock Exchange was shut down.

It is sad that I had to share my name with such a terrible hurricane, but we thank God that it was not worse. It could have killed millions of people if they had not been evacuated. We also thank God that it did not hit Florida where Dick, Wanda, Chris, Kelly, her husband, Ismael, their children, Christina, Alya, Jonathan, Mitch, Steph and Jeff’s son, Carla Heitsch, Jeff’s mother, and many of our friends live.

AUGUST 28, 2011 – BRIAN WEILAND RECEIVES MASTERS DEGREE FROM WSPP

What does WSPP stand for? It stands for the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology. We received an invitation from Brian to his graduation to be held at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Of course we attended. The building is very beautiful, and we were very happy to be there with Brian, Jessica, their immediate relatives, and Grandpa and Grandma Weiland – and very happy, too, when he received his Master of Science diploma. There was a reception after the graduation in the huge very artistic hallway before entering the auditorium. Many congratulations and pictures were taken. We thank God for another joyous blessed occasion.

Jimmy, Brian’s brother, also made us very happy. He has a wonderful new job with SPSI (Systems and Programming Solutions, Inc.) in Brookfield, Wisconsin. As we understand it, his job is with networking computers, the same kind of job which our Steve has with Veolia. Again, congratulations were in order.

AUGUST 30, 2011 – OUR GARDEN – BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES AND GREEN PEPPERS

We don’t have a big garden, but we do have huge beefsteak tomatoes and green peppers. And are they ever delicious, being fresh from our garden! We thank God for even our smallest blessings! In Africa they called the lawn the garden, so going by that, we have beautiful sunflowers, roses, impatiens, balsam, yucca, and other flowers. One sunflower has at least 40 sunflowers on it – beautiful – never saw a sunflower like that before. The birds love it!

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(SEPTEMBER-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC Four teens, who call THE ROC their home but had moved recently to Fort Atkinson rode their bikes a few weeks ago from Fort Atkinson to Watertown just to be at THE ROC. These teens often speak of how THE ROC is the only place in their lives that they can find stability. The stability they speak of is THE ROCK, Jesus Christ, their Savior and ours.
Many hours of hard work were put in by so many at the ROC Rummage Sale which raised over $11,000 for THE ROC. We were overwhelmed by the many items donated and the many hours given. Some literally gave hundreds of volunteer hours. Thank you so much!
We still have about $20,000 to go to pay off the building and remodeling project. We hope donations haven’t slowed for the building because it its thought the project is paid for. We thank our Lord for all of you as we work together to remove the debt.
We invite everyone to stop in at the ROC (213 N. 3rd St., 920-261-4444) anytime to visit. Remember that our ROC Youth Center is for ALL teens from Gr. 7-12. Also check out our web page, www.thewttnroc.com. From the web page learn more about our volunteer program by clicking “Staff Info.” We are always in need of more volunteers. Pictures, calendars, wish lists and so much more can also be found on the web page. Check it out today.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011 – CHRIS’ 28TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We were invited by Sue and Tim to Pioneer Park, Lake Delton, Wisconsin, to help celebrate Chris’ 28th birthday. We attended St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church service Saturday night because we were leaving, the next day, Sunday, at 11:15 AM, riding with Joanne and Jerry Brandt to Pioneer Park. Sue and Tim’s whole family was there, and so the two trailers were crowded because they were staying overnight. When we arrived, they were just ending a family devotion. It was a blessing to see everyone again. After the devotion we had a delicious pork chop, rice, sweet corn, vegetable dish, and birthday cake to eat. Then all of us went to a place under the freeway bridge to fish. When we got to the bottom of the 24 steps (Joanne counted them), it started to rain! All of us sought shelter under the bridge, and then back to fishing. Dick and I watched Tom fish a little down the river from the others. Dick told him where the good fishing hole under a rock on the other side of the river was, and he had lots of bites and caught some fish. Joshua, Jonah, and Conner joined us and had fun throwing rocks into the river before Dick stopped them. Then they found big sticks and played with them. Jonah especially was a dirty mess. We went back to the others and watched all of them fish. It was fun to watch Addie and Tyler, the 2-year-olds playing with the minnows. The fish were all too small to keep, but we had loads of fun anyway just being together. We visited with everyone back at the trailer, and then the Brandts and we headed back to Watertown, getting there just before dark. It was a great day!

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 – DICK, MY HUSBAND’S, 82ND BIRTHDAY

On September 6th, the day before Dick’s birthday, Sue and Tim took us out to Applebees for a delicious dinner. They gave him two beautiful birthday balloons, a very loving “Special Dad” card and also a cute card saying, “Dad, if you don’t have a happy birthday….I’m gonna turn this card around and head right back home! Hey, that always worked for you!” Tim wrote “fond memories”. Dick used to say that we’d head right back home when the children didn’t behave in the car. Both birthday cards Tim himself had decorated with big sparkly hearts. Sue and Tim also presented a Perkins gift card to him. And then to top it all off, some of the waiters and waitresses came with a HUGE sundae topped with whipping cream, a cherry, and a candle and sang “Happy Birthday” to him. It was great! Thank you, Sue and Tim!

On Dick’s birthday, September 7th, Dick and I used the Perkins card for a delicious Captains Choice seafood meal at Perkins restaurant which is owned by Augie and Kim whose TV cooking show we try to attend on Tuesdays at 1:00 P.M. Again Dick was sung “Happy Birthday” by the waiters and waitresses.

Also, on Dick’s birthday, I had a physical in preparation for my right eye cataract operation. It was okay, so the operation will be on September 19th. I am looking forward to it because I can see with my left eye much more clearly than with my right eye; in fact, one morning I sleepily woke up and asked Dick to please turn off the light. The light wasn’t on – it was light shining through the blinds as it usually does!

We also stopped in at the ROC (Recreation & Outreach Center for teens), and there Tim (Pastor Director of the ROC and the teens also sang “Happy Birthday” to Dick. Wow, what a day! And thanks to all of our grownup children, spouses, grandchildren, and friends for all of the wonderful cards, gifts, thoughts, and prayers which were sent to my darling husband. Everything is so very much appreciated.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 – A GREAT WEEKEND WITH SUE AND JIM AT WILDWOOD

Melody and Steve picked us up from our home Saturday and chauffeured (thank you, Melody and Steve) us up to Wildwood, Sue and Jim’s home they purchased next to Wildwood Lake. It is about five miles from Rhinelander, Wisconsin. On the way Melody and Steve took us out to eat at Applebee’s in Wausau, Wisconsin, and when we got to Sue and Jim’s we had another delicious meal. Sue and I swam to the raft and back in the lake because God blessed us with absolutely divine warm weather all weekend. Both Sue and Jim have kayaks which they floated around the lake. They also have a paddle boat which is a lot of fun. In the evening we visited with Sue, Jim, Chanel (a Chinese student Laura’s age staying with them – Laura was in Wausau performing in Oklahoma, a musical), Becky, Patrick, Gabe, Becca, Chris, Karen, and Jimmy. We slept in the “African Room” decorated by Sue, who was born in Lusaka, N. Rhodesia, Africa (later Zambia). In the morning Sue made a delicious brunch.

Saturday night while most everyone was playing volleyball, Melody and Steve presented Dick with his birthday present from them. IT IS A WONDERFUL “BEARS” (CHICAGO BEARS) JACKET!!! WOW! It fits him perfectly, and he can’t wait to wear it to see what the Wisconsin Packer fans are going to do or say. Thank you, Steve and Melody for making your Dad a very happy man.

Sunday afternoon we went to Wausau to watch Laura sing and dance with six other girls in the Ensemble in Oklahoma at the beautiful Grand Theater in Wausau. She was absolutely superb, and the cutest girl up on the stage! After the performance we met some of the other actors and actresses. I had Laura autograph the copy of our program. Dick and I love the musical Oklahoma, and were sure we had the record at home. Found out later we don’t have it anymore – I think we wore it out! I have been walking around our home singing songs from Oklahoma ever since we saw Laura in it.

After the performance Sue drove to Merrill to drop off Laura and Chanel (her American name – her Chinese name is “Hao yu Huang” and she is from Yi Wu in the province of Zhejiang, China) because they had school Monday. Melody and Steve had to go back to West Bend after the performance because they had to work on Monday. We headed back to Wildwood. Sue and Tim had come; also Christina, Mike, and cute little great-granddaughter baby Grace had come. There was a lot of excitement!!! Sue had caught a 20-1/2” large mouth bass!!! Never have I seen a fish with such a big mouth! Jim put it into a beautiful fountain which he had built in a corner of their lot to see if it would live so they could put it back into the lake. Again Sue and I swam in the afternoon because the weather was so wonderful. And again we had a delicious meal and also visited around the campfire. It was a beautiful moonlit night with the moon shining over the lake. Again we slept in the “African Room”, complete with a couple of drums from Africa.

On Monday morning they put the monster back into the lake. Later on Monday both Sue and Tim each caught a bass, but they weren’t as big as the one Sue had first caught. Sadly, we left Wildwood in the afternoon. This time Sue and Tim chauffeured us home to Watertown. Thank you, Sue and Tim! And thank you, Sue and Jim, for the wonderful and blessed weekend with our loved ones. We thank God for all of His great blessings.

SEPTEMBER 10. 2011 – “WHILE THE CAT’S AWAY, THE MICE WILL PLAY” (PROVERB)

While Dick and I were having such a great time at Wildwood, Tim, our son, and Tom (our granddaughter, Julie’s, husband), were not playing while we were away, but working to find and install a dishwasher in our home. Ours had gone “kaput”, so Tom found one on Craig’s List on the internet, Tim went to pick it up in Milwaukee, and installed it! So by the time we got back home on Monday, there was a working and beautiful dishwasher!!!! It is a much better dishwasher than we had. We are so thankful to you, Tim, and Tom, for what you did for us! I am not too fond anymore of washing dishes by hand even though “in the old days”, that’s what our ancestors used to do. How blessed all of us are to have so many modern conveniences!

SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 – A GREAT BLESSING FOR JENNY, KEVIN, AND FOUR SONS

Our granddaughter, Jenny, called to let us know that she and Kevin had found out on this day that the baby they are expecting is a GIRL!!!!! They are ecstatic, and are naming the little girl she is carrying “ELLIANA GRACE POSTON”. Jenny said that “Elliana” is Hebrew and means “God has answered me”. In fact, God has answered all of our prayers. All of us secretly hoped and prayed that they would have a little girl this time, even though they were well on their way to having a football or baseball team. Each one of their sons is very handsome and talented. We are looking forward to the birth of their little girl the beginning of 2012.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 – RE: THINKING OF YOU FROM SAMI JO HEITSCH

Grandpa and Grandma,

Thank you dearly for thinking of me and sending such a lovely email. I am glad you enjoyed the clippings and goodies we sent you.

Something I wanted to share with the both of you is how truly blessed I am to have been born into the special family that I am in. Through the journey as Lady in Waiting, and now Miss Frontier, I have been shown the importance of family and the history of what has made Sami Jo the woman she is today. It is evident that we live in a sinful world where God’s word is turned away from every day, but because I have been raised to live in the Lords word every day, I am now being given the opportunity to share God’s word, and touch the lives of children every day, and I must thank you both for being part of raising such a faith-driven family.

I hope to come visit one of these days, and I think of you often as well. God Bless you both.

Love always.
Sami Jo Heitsch

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 – AN APPRECIATION DINNER COOKED BY TOM PASCH

We were invited by Julie and Tom to an “Appreciation Dinner”. It was for thanking all the ones who helped move Julie, Tom, and Addie to 1301 Newcastle Court, Watertown, Wisconsin, from Stoughton, Wisconsin. Dick and I weren’t able to do much except have the pleasure of babysitting Addie while the hard work of moving and unpacking everything from Stoughton to Watertown was done. I guess it warranted an invitation to Tom’s delicious meal of grilled salmon and barbecued ribs (which I love). There was also macaroni salad, fruit salad, and s’mores. We had a great time with everyone in their beautiful home. Thank you, Julie, Tom, and Addie!

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 – SATURDAY – WATERTOWN CITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALE

When looking at the Watertown map and seeing all the rummage sales designated, I noticed that there was a dryer (ours works, but not exactly as it should) and weed eater for sale at 1400 Wedgewood Drive, the same street where Sue and Tim live. I mentioned it to Dick because he had been looking for an automatic weed eater, and he said, “That’s Todd Morris’s address”. It was actually the day before the rummage sale, but we know Todd – he is a volunteer at the ROC – so I called him and first asked him about the dryer. After talking to him, I found out that it is a small dryer which he had in a “hunting shack” – not for us. But the weed eater was exactly what Dick wanted, and so we went to pick it up on Rummage Sale day. Tom was having a rummage sale at their home, so we stopped there and found a little bear figurine. Also, at a neighbor’s garage sale, we found Grandpa and Grandma figurines. Usually I am an avid garage “saler”, but the next day, Sunday, September 18th, was the Packer party and birthday party at Sue and Tim’s home celebrating Tim’s 30th birthday (actual birthday September 19th) and his wife, Megan’s, 26th birthday (actual birthday is August 25th). Also, on Monday, September 19th, I was scheduled to have my right eye cataract operation. Soooooo, we decided to cool it and not do anymore garage “saleing”, and went home.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 – PACKER AND BIRTHDAY PARTY (MEGAN & TIMMY) COMBINED

Dick and I attended the church service at St. Mark’s. The very edifying sermon by Pastor Werner was based on Romans 6:17-23, and the parts were: 1. Slaves to Sin 2. Slaves to Righteousness. We also attended the communion service. After the service we went home to change our clothes, and then went to Sue and Tim’s home for the parties. The Packers won the game (it was too warm for Dick to wear his Bears jacket). Of course, there was a great delicious dinner served by Sue with a special peanut butter dessert and delectable creampuffs which she also made. Gifts were opened by Megan and Timmy, and pictures were taken. Thank you again, Sue and Tim, for having us.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 – MY (IRENE MUELLER) RIGHT EYE CATARACT OPERATION

Again we went to Health Partners Watertown Regional Center, and I went through all the preparations again that had been done when I had the left eye cataract operation on August 10th. I was third on Dr. Edward Hoy’s operations’ list, so the nurses kept putting eye drops in to keep the eye dilated until the operating room would be open. In the operating room the same things were done as during my left eye operation. I noticed that Dr. Hoy plays music during operations, and recognized the singer as Jim Reeves (I used to play his records in Africa). This time I heard him say that it “was an extremely difficult cataract”. The operation took about five minutes longer than the left eye. It was too late for us to be served breakfast, but we were served a delicious lunch. We thank God for again keeping me in His loving arms.

We had a wonderful experience in the “holding room” before the operation. While the nurse was getting me ready, she said that the girl observing is a Junior in High School. We found out that her name is “Kelsey Fowler”. We asked her if she knew of the ROC, and right away she said that two years ago when she was a “punk kid”, she went to the ROC. She is not that any longer. She wants to have training in Pediatrics. We were so happy to hear that, and when we mentioned it to Tim, he was happy too. He remembered her.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 – DAD’S 2ND VERSE TO “ZACCHAEUS WAS A WEE LITTLE MAN”

All of you probably know a first verse to “Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man” song, but do you know the second verse which my husband, your father, grandfather, great-grandfather composed? He and I feel that it completes the Bible story of Zacchaeus –

First Verse:

Zacchaeus was a wee little man,
A wee little man was he,
He climbed up in a sycamore tree,
For the Lord he wanted to see!
And as the Savior passed that way,
He looked up in the tree,
And said, “Zacchaeus, you come down,
For I’m going to your house today,
For I’m going to your house today!”

Second Verse:

Zacchaeus took the Lord to his house,
And there confessed his sins,
He told the Lord he had stolen much,
But would pay it back again!
And as they sat and ate their meal,
His enemies found fault,
But Jesus said, “The Son Of Man,
Came to seek and to save the lost,
Came to seek and to save the lost.”

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 – A VISIT FROM JEFF AND A PHONE CALL FROM DICK

Around 4:00 P.M., I was sitting in our living room being a “couch potato” like Dr. Hoy told me to do after both eye operations. Dick was working at his computer. We had opened the front door to get some air because it felt stuffy. I saw a man walking up our sidewalk to our door, and said, “Is that Jeff?” And the man said, “Yes, it is – I’m Jeff!” It was a surprise visit, and it was unbelievable! He had been at the Seminary in Mequon for a “Symposium”. He said that he saw Matt Mueller, who now attends the Seminary studying to be a Pastor, and Tim Mueller II, who also attended the Symposium. He told us that “Nate Heitsch” (Jeff’s older brother, Tim’s, youngest son) is a Freshman at Luther Prep, and plans to be a Pastor, too. It seemed like a dream that Jeff was here in our living room all the way from Cheyenne, Wyoming. After he left we received a phone call from our son, Dick, in Orlando, Florida. We had a wonderful talk with him. Thank you, Dick and Jeff, for loving and caring for us. Both of you made us very happy.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 – DICK HAS EYE EXAM BY DR. JOHN ANSLINGER

Dick had an eye appointment at the same place where I go for my appointments with Dr. Hoy. The doctor said that he has no eye diseases, and that he can keep the glasses he has, unless he wants to spend $300 for new ones. He decided not to do that. We thank God that his eyes are okay.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 – MOM (IRENE) HAS EYE FOLLOW-UP WITH DR. EDWARD HOY

Dr. Hoy was very pleased with my right eye. He said that there is some inflammation toward the top of the eye, but with the eye drops (antibiotic and inflammatory) being put in every day by my loving husband, that should clear up. We got to talking with him about how many records he has. He said that he has a jukebox like the one on the “Cheers” TV series, and that he has over 3,000 45 rpm records! He asked if we had ever heard of the “Cherry Bombs” musicians. We said that we hadn’t, and he said that they sing a song, which Dick found on the internet, which has the words, “it’s hard to kiss the lips at night, that chew your — off all day long”. What a character he is! Some people don’t like him. One lady told me that he is “sarcastic”, but we enjoy his sense of humor – and he is a very efficient eye doctor! My eyesight in my left eye is bright and clear; in fact, one morning while I was still in bed, I said to Dick, “turn off the light”. The light wasn’t on – it was the light coming through the blinds just like it always had! The doctor did say that I will still need glasses for reading because of astigmatism. I am thankful I will not need a magnifying glass as well as glasses to help me read.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 – DICK’S ILLNESS AGAIN – CHILLS, FEVER, AND WEAKNESS

Dick wrote an e-mail letter to all in our immediate family on the 22nd of September which said:

“Dear All:

You may have noticed that "cataract surgery follow-up" was written last night — but not sent until this morning. There is a reason for that.

After I wrote that E-mail, I began to shiver uncontrollably — just like I did after Mom’s first eye cataract surgery. The shivering did not last as long as the first time — but it left me weak again.

After about an hour, Mom helped me to bed — using two canes. I slept, but not the whole night through. Neither did Mom. She was concerned about me — so concerned that she wanted to take me to the hospital. I did manage to talk her out of that.

Today I am better, but weak — but I am down to one cane — and doing some of the things on my "To Do" List. Our Lord continues to bless us — and He constantly reminds us that it is He who heals all our diseases.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

With all our love,

Dad and Mom”

SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 – AN E-MAIL FROM MY (IRENE) SISTER, LOTTIE (FUNAIR)

Subject: Re: ILLNESS

“Hello Irene and Dick: All I can say is Irene better quit having cataract surgery!! It doesn’t seem to agree with Dick’s constitution! So you can take care and as we all know, we keep on being grateful no matter what!!!…..Lottiedo”

SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 – SIX BOXES OF BOOKS ARRIVE FROM KELLBERG FAMILY

“Dear Thoughtful Nieces and Nephews:

Yesterday six boxes of books arrived in Watertown, Wisconsin, from Kent, Washington. They arrived in pouring rain — but our mailman backed up his little delivery truck to our garage door — and unloaded them all for us. He even carried them to the back of our garage so they would be out of the way — and out of the rain. We feel for you who carried them to the Post Office in Kent — yes, we do.

We have opened all six boxes — but have not unpacked any of them. We will do that little by little as our strength allows. Those boxes are heaven — and so are most of the books within them.

What can we say, but thank you, thank you, and thank you again. We already have an idea where most of them will go. Matt, Tim’s son, is in his first year at the Seminary — and will cherish them, we are sure. Deb’s husband, Glen, is an avid reader of Lutheran Christian literature — and will inwardly digest some of them. And the rest — they will go to one good home or another — maybe right here. Oh, we do have ten Christian Day School teachers in the family — three of whom are Principals in Christian Day Schools. They will be interested in them, too.

Thank you for your generous thoughtfulness — and look forward to hearing more from us on this subject in the not-too-distant future.

With all our love,

Uncle Dick and Aunt Irene”

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 – DAD’S ILLNESS

“Dear loved ones,

As all of you read in Dad’s September 23rd e-mail, he had another bout with shivering, fever, and weakness. He had a physical on September 15th, and the doctor found that he may have gallstones, so he made an appointment for Dad to have an ultrasound at the Watertown Regional Medical Center here in Watertown. That did happen on September 26th. The technicians couldn’t find his gall bladder, but did see stones. Then the doctor wanted him to have a CAT scan yesterday, the 28th, to find out what was going on, so he had that.

Dr. Grajewski called a short time ago and said that Dad should go to Oconomowoc for an ERCP scope, which is something like the endoscopic test I had, but they don’t have the ERCP machine here in Watertown. He said that there is a gall bladder stone in a tube which can be taken out with the machine there. The tube goes from the gall bladder to the intestine. If we don’t do this, he said that Dad could get sicker. Also, they will use an EGD scope to examine his stomach. You can find out what those tests are on Google. It’s a one-day thing.

We will take one step at a time, and ask God to be with us. Please keep us in your prayers. With much love, hugs, kisses, and God’s richest blessings always, Mom (and Dad)”

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1, 2011 – MATT’S FIRST DEER BOW KILL AND CHRIS’ KILL

Friday, September 30th Chris and Matt Mueller (Sue and Tim’s sons) went hunting up at Eagle River, Wisconsin, where Chris is Principal and Teacher at Christ Evangelical Lutheran School. They were sitting up on a stand in a tree and waiting for a deer to come by. They planned that Matt would shoot the deer with his bow and arrow (he was so excited) and Chris would shoot it with his video camera. While they were waiting, they were whispering together. A deer did come by, and Matt shot it right through the heart with the first arrow. They got down from the tree and followed the blood trail, but had to stop because it was getting dark. The next day, Saturday, October 1st, they went to find it. They did find it, but most of it had been eaten by wild animals, and the meat left could not be salvaged. They went up on the stand again and waited. Another deer came by, and this time Chris missed with the first arrow, dropped the second arrow when he got it out of the quiver. The deer did not run away, so Chris shot another arrow, killed, and gutted it out in the woods.

They took the deer to Chris and Bekah’s home where they cut up the meat, packaged it, and divided it so that they each had meat to put into their freezers. Their Dad, our Tim, taught them everything they needed to know to hunt, and process, deer which they shot. It helps all the families (including us) have venison in their freezers to cut down on grocery costs. As my loving husband always says, “The Lord will provide!”

OCTOBER 1, 2011 – DAD’S ILLNESS

Dear loved ones,

Just to keep you up-to-date on what is happening with Dad – on Tuesday at 2:00 pm we are to be at the GI Associates – Oconomowoc Branch. They have sent a whole lot of forms for Dad to fill out. They want all of his medications listed and all kinds of other information. There will be no procedures – ERCP and EGD – done on that day. That’s about all we know for now.

We love all of you very much, and know that we are in your prayers. We know that God is with us. With God’s richest blessings to all of you, hugs, and kisses, Mom (and Dad)

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(OCTOBER-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC Recently, a ladies group from one of our churches held its monthly meeting at our Watertown Recreation & Outreach Center (THE ROC). The ladies thoroughly enjoyed meeting at THE ROC as they were able to see for themselves our Youth Center located at 213 N. 3rd. Street. After Pastor Mueller gave a ROC presentation, many of the ladies expressed their joy over how THE ROC is clearly built on Christ and provides a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel of our Savior with so many young people. As a trip to THE ROC is well worth it, we invite any of our church groups to have a meeting at THE ROC. Simply call (206-9581) or e-mail (wttnroc@sbcglobal.net) Pastor Mueller to set up the visit to our ROC. As you visit you will further come to appreciate THE ROC and the unity we enjoy as we operate our Youth Center together. Of course you are welcome to stop in at the ROC anytime. Possibly also consider being a ROC volunteer. Such helpers are always needed. Goodies are also always appreciated by the teens.
For your information, we have approximately $20,000 left to pay for our building and remodeling. Your gifts are greatly appreciated and may be sent to THE ROC, 213 N. 3rd St., Watertown, WI 53094. Also THE ROC is an eligible organization for Thrivent Choice dollars. Thrivent members are encouraged to keep THE ROC in mind when they are informed of their Thrivent Choice dollars which they are able to designate to THE ROC either online or through an 800 number. Thank you so much for all the support, help and financial gifts you give to the ROC. THANK YOU from all of us at THE ROC!

OCTOBER 3, 2011 – OUR TIM COMES TO OUR HOME TO FIX OUR PATIO GATE

It was a very warm day, but Tim came to fix our patio gate. The post holding it had rotted, so he had to dig deep to get out all the dirt and cement so he could put a new post in and put in more cement. He was “sweating bullets” doing that. The other side post next to the house had been damaged, so he took that off too and replaced it. Also, the latch of the gate had to be fixed so the gate would open easily. All of his work made us very happy because now we can get the huge garbage and recycling bins out of the patio without wrestling with that gate. Later he came back to take the gate off again, and paint the posts the same color as the fence. Thank you, Tim! You don’t know how much we appreciated your help. It was later in the afternoon when he finished, and then reminded us that it was almost time to get ready to go to Jenny, Kevin, and the boys’ home for Sue’s 54th birthday party at 5:30 PM.

OCTOBER 3, 2011 – SUE’S 54TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Again we were blessed and had a great time with Jenny, Kevin, Joshua, Jonah, Conner, Tyler, Elliana (to be born early next year), Julie, Tom, and Addie. The food was terrific, as well as the delicious strawberry birthday cake brought by the Pasches.

OCTOBER 4, 2011 – BEKA AND CHRIS MUELLER’S BABY IS TAKEN TO HEAVEN

On October 5th we received an e-mail from Chris letting us know. According to Chris’s words that “God allowed Bekah to miscarry the baby that was growing inside her. A couple weeks ago pregnancy tests she took came up positive, and she was going into the doctor for a scheduled appointment to check and see if everything was going fine. Last night at the emergency room they did an ultrasound (which they couldn’t see anything) and they also did blood work (which came up very low for being pregnant). She is going to go in on Thursday for another checkup, but everything the doctors described makes us think that the baby was miscarried.

We have received some wonderful comfort from members of our family. Things that have been shared with us include that fact that God loves and cares for us and the life that was inside Bekah; that God’s love and power is boundless, and that Christ died for our unborn child; that God has a plan even if we can’t understand it or know what it is; and that God will work this for our spiritual good. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Love, Chris and Bekah”

OCTOBER 5, 2011 – 6:30 AM – “IN OUR PRAYERS” -AN E-MAIL WRITTEN BY TIM

“Dear Fam,

I am taking Dad (Grandpa) to Oconomowoc Hospital for a scope down through the mouth to have a gallstone removed in a duct and also to check a tumor in the stomach. Pray for Grandpa and Grandma.”

Love,

Tim (Dad)”

OCTOBER 8, 2011 – THE FUTURE

Dear All:

Yesterday morning, after our Morning Devotion, Grandma and I were talking about our garden. The four tomato plants have taken over everything. The garden is a mess of tangled vines. So we began thinking of what we are going to do next year. We have decided to plant only two tomato plants and only two pepper plants. The tomato plants are overgrowing the pepper plants.

We also talked about visiting some of our far away kids — even flying to see them.

Why am I telling you this? Because Grandma and I want you all to know how we are looking into the future. We are not living today as though it is the last day that our Lord is giving us on this earth. Rather, we are living each day as another blessing from Him — as we should have been living every day up until this very moment.

Each day we are reveling in the glory of His creation. Each day we are listening to His Word. Each day we are rejoicing over the love our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends are showing us. Each day we are living as though it is the first day of our life — the life our God has given us — and the life He has the power to take away. Each day we are striving to live to His glory — and to the eternal welfare of relatives, friends, and neighbors. We want to let our light shine before men. We want to let everyone we meet see how Christians live their lives up to — and including the point of death.

In other words, we are living in joy — and not sorrow. We are living in certain hope — and not despair. We are living and enjoying the blessings our gracious God gives us each and every day. We are content.

Grandma and I pray sincerely that this allays any questions you may have about our welfare. We are fine. Our love for each other is growing day by day — because our love for our Savior and what He has done to make heaven our home is being strengthened by the Holy Spirit through His Word each day.

Rejoice with us.

With all our love,

Dad and Mom

OCTOBER 9, 2011 – INFO FOR YOU

Dear Family,

"My times are in your hands" (Psalm 31:15). I thought it best to begin this e-mail with God’s Word. Only God knows when, where and how He will take us home to heaven. He is our gracious heavenly Father who always does and allows what is best for us. With that most important point being said, I share with you what happened today in regard to Dad (Grandpa Mueller). The doctor removed a gall stone from the duct. The procedure went very well and Dad and Mom are home resting.

However, while talking to the doctor, we learned much more that was shown by the CAT scan Dad had last week. The doctors and radiologists are over 90% sure Dad has liver cancer. He could also have tumors on the outside of his stomach and in his colon. The doctor wants to do a colonoscopy but only to find out if the possible cancer started there. The results would only be for, as he said, "closure". The doctor also wants to do a liver biopsy but the results won’t help anything because liver surgery is out of the question due to Dad’s age. The only question that needs to be answered now is if a regular chemo pill would help at all. If it will, Dad would take that pill but I don’t think he will go through any all out chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:33-34) By faith in our Savior Jesus, we place all into His hands as He does all things well. May God comfort and strengthen through this trial.

Love,

Tim (Dad)

OCTOBER 10, 2011 – WHOOPIE

Dear loved ones,

You probably wonder why I have not written to you since Dad’s "procedure". It is because Dad asked our dear son, Tim, to let everyone know about it, which he did – and then Dad himself wrote that wonderful letter to you. We are so thankful that Tim took us to Oconomowoc, listened with me to everything the doctors and nurses said, took us back to Watertown, and then wrote to all of you about what had happened. He is a "God-send". We had to be at the Oconomowoc Hospital at 7:30 am, and then got back to Watertown close to the time Tim had to be at the ROC. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Tim.

As far as Dad is concerned, he is feeling so much better since they took the gallstone out of the duct, and his appetite is better too. When we get up in the morning, he says "WHOOPIE!!!!" when he sees my dimples. That should tell you something. The doctor had said that he should have a colonoscopy last Friday to find out "what else is going on", but Dad emphatically said, "NO!" Then the doctor said that he could make an appointment for a lab test here at the Watertown hospital, and they may be able to tell a lot from that. He is going to do that.

Please keep Wanda in your prayers. When we got home from Sue and Tim’s last night, there was a message from Dick saying that she is going to have an operation today. As they say, "when it rains, it pours". God is with her too.

As Dad said in his October 8th letter to you, we are doing fine, and that we are living each day as another blessing from Him. We are richly blessed!

Here is a little something for you to chuckle about. When I had my last eye operation (I can say "whoopie" too because my left eye sight is now bright and clear, and my right eye is almost there too), I liked the music the doctor was playing in the operating room. It was like the records I used to play in Africa. Anyway, when we went for a checkup, I told him, and he told us that he has a record by the "Cherry Bombs" (look it up on the Internet). We were pretty shocked when he told us that one of the lyrics of the song they sing is "it’s hard to kiss the lips at night, that chew your — off all day long". I told Debbie that on the phone, and she couldn’t stop laughing. All of us need a laugh now and then, right?

I have to go. Dad and I are going to the OWLS meeting at 11:30 this morning to hear a presentation by Adrian Smith, an organist at St. Mark’s who was in Jenny and Kevin’s class at New Ulm. We love all of you very much. Thank you for all of your love, prayers, e-mails, and phone calls. God’s richest blessings, Mom (Grandma-Great Grandma)

OCTOBER 11, 2011 – A TELEPHONE CALL FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Our son, Dick (R. J.) called from Florida to let us know that he and Wanda are flying to Wisconsin on November 24, 2011, which is Thanksgiving Day AND DICK’S (R. J.’S) BIRTHDAY! He was born in the middle of Dick’s sermon (when he was pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crivitz, Wisconsin). He had taken me to the hospital in Marinette, Wisconsin, 25 miles from Crivitz, Dick(ie) was born, and when Dick came after he preached, he and I had Thanksgiving dinner together at the hospital. We were so thankful to have a baby boy after our first child, Debbie, was born about a year before on October 27th. We haven’t seen Wanda and Dick since our fantastic 80th birthday party in September, 2009, so we are very happy that they are coming.

OCTOBER 15, 2011 – FROM MY HEART

Dear All:

We have all learned to pray. Our first prayer may have been at the kitchen table. There we were taught to say, “Abba, Father”. Then we were taught to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest”. And, at night, we said, “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”.

We were praying. We were saying the same words over and over again, probably without much thought. Now that we are older, prayer takes on a whole different meaning. We are talking to God. We are talking to Jesus, the One and Only Mediator between God and man. Yes, we are carrying on a conversation between our Best Friend and ourselves.

Sometimes we forget that. We forget that we don’t have to get down on our knees to talk to God. We can – and should talk to Him no matter where we are, nor what time of the day it may be. We can pour out our hearts to Him – even though our words of meditation may not be coherent. The Holy Spirit will take care of that. Jesus promised that He would do that for us – and Jesus keeps His promises.

As we grow older, this meaning of prayer becomes ever more dear to us. We begin to realize more and more that no matter how much our Lord has blessed us with good doctors, unbelievable medical equipment and technology, and powerful medications, they can only do so much and nothing more.

Knowing that it is our God who has given all these things to mankind, we talk to him in our homes, in our cars, in hospital waiting rooms, and on the way to surgery. We thank Him for all of His past blessings on us. We ask Him to continue to bless us with His almighty uplifting arms and hands. We pour out our hearts to Him in word and thought.

Let us do that for one another. Talk to our loving Lord and thank Him for preserving Wanda through a delicate operation. Talk to Him and thank Him for preserving the lives of Tim, Jr., his family, and many in his in-law’s family from a horrendous meeting with a deer. Talk to Him and ask Him to comfort Rebekah and Chris at the loss of a little one. Talk to Him and ask Him to open the door to a new job for Dave Chmielewski after the loss of his old one. Talk to Him and ask Him to grant to Christina, Mike, and Pat steady work. Talk to Him and ask Him to preserve all in our family in the one true faith – which is the most important prayer.

Yes, talk to God for one another, intercede for one another – and thank God for all His blessings to all of us.. The foregoing are just a few of many specific reasons for us to talk to Him. Use them for the well-being of those concerned.

Last, but by no means least, thank you for all the private intercessions you have made on our behalf – and also for the public prayers you have asked to be prayed on our behalf. God bless you for your deep concern for us.

With all our love,

Mom and Dad Grandpa and Grandma

OCTOBER 16, 2011 – MATT MUELLER CONDUCTS THE LITURGY AT ST. MARK’S

We were so happy and privileged to hear our grandson, Matt, conduct the Liturgy in my home church, St. Mark’s. Before he went to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (he is in his first year), he used to read the Gospel sometimes at St. Mark’s. He did so well, and we are proud of him. He pronounced all the words “loud and clear” (as Dick and the other ham radio operators used to say). Pastors Walther and Jensen also helped conduct the service, and they, and others, told us that he did very well too. We know that someday he will be a dedicated pastor, just like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

OCTOBER 17, 2011 – TIM FIXES A WHEEL ON HIS VAN

We were again blessed. Tim went out to Wal-Mart to do some shopping, and when he started out, some Mexicans excitedly shouted and pointed to the left front wheel on his van. It was cockeyed, and was close to coming off the van. Tim did manage to drive it to our home. We are so thankful that he was not driving it on a freeway. On the 17th he came over, jacked up the wheel, took it off, and found the part which had broken because it was rusty. He ordered a new part, and about a week later brought it, put it back on the wheel, and drove off. All in a day’s work, huh, Tim?

OCTOBER 18, 2011 – “THINGS TO BE GIVEN AWAY TO THE FAMILY

While the weather is still warm enough to get out into our garage, Dick and I decided to start looking through a lot of things which we do not need or use, and start giving them away first of all to our family, then to the ROC for their yearly rummage sale the end of July, and what’s left give to the thrift shops. We used to have garage sales, but not anymore because of all the work connected with them at our age. Well, Dick put a list of the things to be given away on the internet to our family, and we had a lot of response.

What also got us to do this was that Dick’s sister, Helen, had passed away the beginning of February in 2011, so her family had sent six boxes of religious books which she and her husband, Carl, inherited from Helen and Dick’s father. We were still African missionaries at the time he went to live in his eternal home in heaven. We went through the books, picked out some we wanted, and then offered them to our family. With all the teachers and Matt, who is studying to be a pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, it was not hard to find a home for many of them. We were also thrilled to see Christina and Laura Weiland, Sue and Jim’s daughters, go through them and take quite a few. It is wonderful to know that there are so many in our family who love to read books which have been written about the Word of God. We are happy to see quite a few empty shelves. Thank you, Helen and Carl’s family, for sending those great books all the way from the state of Washington to the state of Wisconsin!

OCTOBER 19, 2011 – FAMILY LUNCH AT ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL

We were invited to the Family Lunch at St. John’s School where Joshua, Jonah, and Conner attend. Kevin Poston, their father, is Joshua’s third grade teacher and also the Music Director for the school and church. We enjoyed watching Kevin teach the children music and visiting the children’s classrooms. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch consisting of ham, scalloped potatoes, corn, dinner roll, mandarin oranges, and pumpkin bars. It was a lot of fun being with the children, teachers, parents, grandparents, and friends.

OCTOBER 19, 2011 – ABOUT SAMI JO

Good morning all,

I normally don’t do this but I feel the need to ask you all to really keep Sami in your prayers.

She had a doctor’s appointment yesterday in Denver and it was the worst we have ever seen. For some reason, also without any of us saying a word to anyone, Uncle Glen texted Sami out of the blue, and asked her how she was doing while she was on her way home from Denver. I know that text meant a lot to her and helped her to realize that she does have family that loves her and is there to support her.

To the fault of being so busy with all the exciting things in her life she had not been to Denver in awhile and we saw an appointment that lead to many many tears because her doctor told her if she keeps on this path she is on a road to destruction. He got right in her face and told her a story about a college girl that just died of diabetes because her body ran ketones and he loves Sami like a daughter and never wants to see that happen to her. He laid it out very strongly that it could happen. Her AIC which is a number that tells the long term effects of this disease was very high and now we wait to see if there is any kidney damage from the blood work they did yesterday.

You know Sami does so many things in her life that we are sooo very proud of and can’t wait to share with all of you, but the underlying thing is that we are probably overly proud at times because of moments like yesterday.

I share this with you all only because I believe I need the prayers right now for Sami more than ever. Our game plan is to work very hard in the next 3 months to try to reverse some of the effects that may have been caused now in her body and see a much better appointment in January. She promises to do better as well and knows we are there to support her.

Thanks for letting me share with those that I know care the most.

Steph

OCTOBER 20, 2011 – OUR PRAYER

Dear Steph, Jeff — and Sami Jo:

You are all in our prayers. How timely my little sermonette on prayer is (October 15, 2011 – FROM MY HEART). We need those prayers — sometimes more than we realize.

Lord, sustain us all as we pray for Sami Jo’s health. Bring her numbers back to where they should be — and heal any damage that may have been done to her vital organs. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Your Will Be Done.

With all our love,

Dad and Mom

OCTOBER 21, 2011 – IRENE’S “GRADUATION” DINNER

Dr. Edward Hoy said at my last eye appointment on October 20th, after the two cataract operations, that I “graduated”. He gave me a prescription for glasses which I would still need for reading because of astigmatism. A nurse asked us what we were going to do to celebrate and I told her that our son, Steve, was coming from West Bend, WI to take us out to dinner. Steve came on the 21st, the very next day, and took us to Applebee’s where all of us had a delicious barbecue baby back rib dinner. Mmmm, that was goooood! Thank you, Steve, for my graduation dinner!

OCTOBER 24, 2011 – DOCTOR’S CALL

Dear All:

Even though we do not know an awful lot, Grandma wants me to write to you tonight and tell you that the phone call we have been waiting for came this morning.

All I can tell you at this time is that we thanked our gracious God for the news we heard.

Our doctor does not recommend any further action either on our part or on his part. The results of the blood test do not show a need for further testing. There are abnormities on my liver, but he did not recommend a biopsy. The consequences of such a procedure would not be beneficial.

We want you all to know that I feel better than I have for a long time. I am not as tired and weak as I was before the gall stone was removed from the duct that runs between the gall bladder and the lower intestine. Our doctor also confirmed our thinking — and rejoices with us that I feel quite good. We thank our loving Lord and Savior for that wonderful blessing.

We have asked our doctor who did the ERCP to provide us with a written report of the blood test. When we receive it, we will forward it to all of you. We are sure it will make much clearer everything the blood test revealed. He did say that one of the numbers from the blood test was well within the normal range. He said the number was 30 — and that he does not become concerned about that number if it is not over 100. Yes, we are counting our blessings — and we want you to count them with us.

Nevertheless, continue to remember us in your prayers. Indeed, remember everyone in our family in your prayers. Every one of us has something about which we can talk to our heavenly Father through His Son, Christ Jesus. Have a heart to heart conversation with Him. He has promised not only to listen to us, but he has also promised to answer our prayers. Please, never forget that.

With all our love,

Mom and Dad

Dear loved ones,

You can imagine how Dad and I felt when Dr. Steven J. Lipscomb called this morning from GI Associates in Oconomowoc and told us what Dad has told you in the above letter. He said that it is “reasonable” that Dad have no further tests. Tears of thankfulness to our loving God flowed from my eyes. He again has answered all of our prayers. What would we do without Him?

And what would I do without my wonderful beloved husband? How thankful I am that he is feeling so much better than he has been. We have rose bushes outside which we grew, and whenever he sees a beautiful bud or rose, he brings it to me so that I can enjoy it inside of our home. That is so sweet. God has blessed me richly!

With God’s richest blessings, love, hugs, and kisses to all of you, Mom (Grandma) (Great Grandma)

OCTOBER 24, 2011 – “RE: REUNION”

“Hey all,

Sami and I are flying in on Tuesday the 22nd and have to leave Milwaukee on Friday at 10:40am.

We have an event that we have to be back for on Saturday and so that was the longest we could stay. Sorry it won’t work for us on Sunday.

Love ya
Steph”

We are so thrilled! Steph and Sammy are coming from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Dick and Wanda are coming from Orlando, Florida! “And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him” – Romans 8:28. How blessed we are! We are anxiously looking forward to the “reunion” of our families. Dick’s birthday is November 24th, and Steph’s birthday is December 4th. Now that is something to celebrate. Dick will be 56 years old, and Steph 48 years old. I have written about Dick’s birth on Thanksgiving Day in Marinette, Wisconsin. Steph was born in Blantyre, Nyasaland (Malawi after Independence in 1964), Africa, on December 4, 1963. Before we left Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia after Independence in 1964), Africa, with all there was to do before leaving, I nearly had a miscarriage, so Dr. Foster put me in the Lusaka Hospital. Thankfully, all was well, but the doctor said I had to fly to Nyasaland and not go by road, which was a corrugated dirt bush road for 600 miles. So Debbie, Susie, Steph (not yet born), and I flew to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Africa, and then to Blantyre. Dick went by road with Dickie, Timmy (Steve wasn’t born yet), and our dog and cat. I arrived with the girls before Dick with the boys, so we checked into the Ryalls Hotel, explored Blantyre by walking around, slept overnight, and waited for Dick, the boys, and the animals who arrived the next day, safe and sound, too.

Our beautiful baby girl, Stephanie Ruth Mueller, was born December 4th, 1963. She is the only one of our children to be born in Nyasaland (Malawi), Africa.

And now we and all the rest of our families are anxiously looking forward to November 22nd when Steph and Sami Jo will arrive too!   Everybody will not be able to come, which does make us sad. Wanda told us on the phone that Kelly and Ismael’s little boy, Jonathan, who will be four years old November 8th, has a “buckled fracture” of his left leg, so his leg is in a cast. He was playing with one of his sisters when it happened. We know how those things happen, having raised six children. We are especially concerned because we have not yet been able to meet Jonathan, who will be four years old November 28th. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, too.

OCTOBER 26, 2011 – A GIFT FOR DICK

Dick and I were so bored with TV one night when a telephone call came from our dear grandson, Timmy, asking if we were home. We said we were, and in the next moment the doorbell rang, and guess who was standing there – Timmy II, his wife, Megan, and little Timmy III. Timmy had come for Teachers’ Conferences in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Timmy was carrying a new beautiful easy-to-read monitor for Dick’s computer. He not only carried it in, but disconnected Dick’s old one, and laid down on the floor and connected the new one. WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE! And while Timmy and Dick were busy with the computer, Megan, Timmy III, and I had a wonderful blessed visit. We were so happy and thrilled that they came not only because of the computer, but to visit with us. It sure was better than sitting and watching all that “schund” on TV.

OCTOBER 27, 2011 – DEBBIE COMES TO OUR HOME TO CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY!

Debbie, Aubrey, Nicki, Cassie, and Caleb came to Watertown to celebrate Debbie’s 57th birthday. We had a great time eating at Culver’s, and then Tim came to our home and had birthday cake with us before going to the ROC. It was so nice visiting with all of them. Thank you all for coming. One of the highlights of their visit was when little Aubrey, who will be two years old December 1st, sang “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, and twirled around in our living room while she sang it. It was so cute!

Debbie did tell us what happened to her husband, Glen, who works in maintenance at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He had taken his work van to their son-in-law, Dave Chmielewski’s uncle, to have something repaired. The uncle was driving, and suddenly there were no brakes. Thankfully, Dave’s uncle was able to keep control of the vehicle, avoiding cars and other obstacles, until it stopped. When Debbie heard that, she told Glen that the old van had to go. They found another pre-owned one which turned out to be $2,000 cheaper than the asking price because of a salesman’s mistake. Dave took out the shelves in the old van, and installed them in the new van. So what could have been a tragedy turned out to be a blessing. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

OCTOBER 29, 2011 – BABY SHOWER FOR HOLLY MUELLER

A happy and blessed time was had by about thirty ladies who came to a wonderful baby shower for Holly at Julie, Tom, and Addie’s beautiful home. She and Matt are expecting a baby girl. Besides many of Holly and Matt’s family members, two of our daughters also came – Debbie, Susie, and daughters Christina and Laura with her friend, Chanel from China. Not to forget Christina’s baby, Gracie, who was born April 14, 2011. There were three ladies from Waupun, WI where Tim had been pastor when he and Sue’s children were little. The shower, of course, was very well planned and fabulous food was served. Fun games were played and many beautiful gifts were given. Thank you, Sue and Tim Mueller and family for all the hard work you put into everyone having a great time!

OCTOBER 29, 2011 – BIRTHDAYS PARTY FOR JULIE AND BEKAH

Party, party, party!!!! Yes, there is another party on the 29th! The birthday party is for Julie whose 25th birthday is on the 30th, and Rebekah’s 25th birthday on November 3rd. This time the party was at Sue and Tim’s lovely home. Sue is always up-to-date on all the holiday decorations there. This time we saw Halloween and autumn decorations all over. Of course, there was a birthday cake for each birthday girl and beautiful gifts for each one.

OCTOBER 30, 2011 – REFORMATION SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S

According to a schedule which Jenny and Kevin had given us, Kevin and sons, Joshua and Jonah, would participate in the Reformation Service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Mixed Choir and the school children K-8 were directed by Kevin. They sang Psalm 46. Joshua is in the 3rd grade (which Kevin teaches) and Jonah is in 1st grade. We attended the 10:30 a.m. service, and were amazed at the beautiful singing of Psalm 46 by the Mixed Choir and the school children. Kevin played the organ for the service, and we were very impressed. We were so glad that we attended the service. Thank you, Jenny and Kevin, for the schedule all the way through the end of 2011 and until June 10th of 2012. After the service we were invited to Sue and Tim’s for a delicious lunch with the families. Thank you, Sue and Tim, – again – for inviting us!

LATEST PEBBLES FROM THE ROC ARTICLE

(NOVEMBER-2011) PEBBLES FROM THE ROC Worship or church happens at THE ROC everyday at 6:00 p.m. when THE ROC is open. What we all do in church, we do at THE ROC. The teens are reminded how we worship the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Together, we confess our sins and hear the comforting words of absolution or forgiveness in Christ. We confess our faith, hear God’s Word, pray together, sing together and leave with God’s blessing. It is a joy to worship our gracious God side by side with the teens and see the faith of many flourish and grow.
On Saturday, October 8th, over 20 teens showed their love and ownership of the ROC as they participated in Clean-Up Day at the ROC. It was good to see how so many showed up and worked hard to make the youth center clean. We also sincerely thank all the adult volunteers who regularly help at the ROC. and everyone else for their continued support. Your generous gifts make it possible to continue this mission to the youth. Please remember that you can stop by at the ROC anytime it’s open to visit or be considered for our volunteer staff. Also, you can check with Pastor Mueller if you would like to donate goodies, a wish list item or a special talent you have such as singing, game playing and the like. The teens love the involvement by the adults. Once again, thanks so much for your support.

NOVEMBER 1, 2011 – SOLO RECITAL

We were invited to Solo Recital at Maranatha where Joshua takes violin lessons. He would play “Perpetual Motion” by S. Suzuki and Kevin, his father, would accompany him on the piano. There were only five soloists, Joshua being the second on the program. I could not resist taking pictures with my 35 millimeter camera while Joshua was playing. He did not flinch a bit at the three flashes of the camera; he kept his cool and did so very well, much better than last year. He is improving every year, and it is a joy to see how much he improves.

NOVEMBER 2, 2011 – SHOPKO BROKE THE FRAME FOR MY NEW GLASSES

On page 314 I wrote that I “graduated” on October 20th because it was my last eye appointment with Dr. Edward Hoy, and he prescribed glasses for me for reading because of astigmatism. We went to Shopko with the prescription and a frame I had into which they could put the lenses. Well, on November 2nd Shopko called and said that they had broken the frame for the glasses. However, they said that I could pick out any frame I wanted which they had. I looked them all over. Some were $130 each and some were $80 each. The only one I really liked was $80, so again we waited for my new glasses. We thought that was very nice of Shopko to offer new frames. They said that they would put a “rush” on the order.