Happy Birthday, Molly Dolly!!

Well, our "baby" is growing up - 26 today!!!  Happy birthday to our little actress!  You are so gifted, Molly, so creative!  We are glad that you are getting to experience some theatre life in the big city!  You are always in our prayers that the big break will come!  Enjoy this day and celebrate yourself!  Love you!

Happy 28th birthday, Jenny Pepper!!

Happy birthday to our sweet, special Guam girl!  It is weird to do it the day before the actual birthday but it is her birthday in Guam!  She is celebrating without cards or presents from family as we are holding on to everything and celebrating in Seattle on Friday!  Even though you don't have anything there telling you how much you are loved and that we all wish you a happy birthday, know that it is true!  So excited to have you back in the states so you are only a quick phone call away!!  Miss you!  Love you tons and tons!  Hope you have a happy day!!!

Johnny Is Retiring!!

Hi all!
I have tried and tried to copy the invitation I got via email for Johnny's retirement party on Friday, June 28th but it just isn't working!!  I am tech savvy enough!!  Anyway, on the 28th from 1 - 3 in Glacier Room #54 at the Mitchell Building there will be a retirement party for our dear sweet son, brother, dad, uncle, grandfather!!  After  37 years with state government, he is hanging it up and playing!!  We will be in Seattle - unfortunately - and will be unable to attend.  Hopefully some family can be there.  Otherwise we will hold our own party for him!!

Happy Anniversay

33 years ago Mary and I said our vows in the backyard of the Moore home.  That day was a most special day for me, with our families together to celebrate our new beginnnigs.  Some of our family memebers are no longer with us but the family spirit is stronger than ever as both our families have grown.  The love and unity Mary and I share has been expanded to our children and grandchildren.  I would not change any moment (OK, maybe some of my untimely remarks and antics) I have shared with Mary, our family, or any of the Moore/Wingerter clan.  Thank you all for the support and love over the years.  And thank you Mary for your patience, your friendship, and your love.  Happy Anniversary sweetheart!!!!  God bless you all.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Connie did get the first post, but I figured I would add some pictures.  I hope you don't mind, Connie.  Thanks for the wonderful post about our Mom.

We love you, Mom!  Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday, Jan

I have no picture, so imagine a cute 63 year old lady who's celebrating her birthday today. She is an awesome daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Hope you had a wonderful day, sis.

Update from LoCA

Hello family!  First off, Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads we have in this family.  We are all lucky to have such great role models in our family.

Thought I'd sent out an update on life here in NorCal.  It's been a busy couple of months with the transtion to Stockton/Lodi and I moved into my new place in Lodi (click the link to get John's previous comments re: Lodi) over Memorial weekend and I am absolutely loving the town of 60,000.  Like I said in another post, it's literally surrounded by vineyards and wineries.  With 50 wineries within about a 10 miles radius of my house they take their wine seriously.  A lot of the grapes grown around here are shipped to Napa for their winemaking.  They call our area "the less pretentious California wine country."  I have two guest rooms and couches for all visitors.  I'm 1.5 hours from San Fran, 1.5 hours from Tahoe, and 2 hours from Yosemite... but if you like wine there might not be a reason to leave Lodi.  But seriously - come visit.  Here's a shot of the house.

Speaking of San Fran, my parents were here over Memorial Day to help me move in which was a huge blessing - thanks, guys.  We took in a Giants game and it ended up being one of the best games I've ever seen...walk off inside the park home run.  It was a blast and you couldn't ask for better company.

As if that wasn't enough fun, I was in SA,TX for George Strait's final SA concert two weekends ago with Ben.  We had a great time with great friends, good music, and 2-3 Coors Lights.  There were 73K people at the concert with us.  Quite a sight.  We also got to see Jake and, as it seems is becoming tradition in Austin, played an epic game of whiffle ball.  In all honesty, that was probably the highlight of the trip - mostly because I beat Ben.

I hope this finds everyone well.  Can't wait to see all in August for Joey's and Erin's celebration.  I'll be in the Wednesday before the wedding and will be ready to roll.  Love you all.

-Nate

38 Years Later...

Dearest Mother and Father, Happy 38th Anniversary. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating your 25th! I still remember the park and the renewal of the vows. You two are simply amazing. I can't even begin to describe all the wonderful things you have done for this family. You are so generous and loving, and not only to your children and grandchildren, but to your nieces and nephews and your brothers and sisters. I know that every single person who reads this blog applauds your character. Everyone you interact with goes away feeling better about themselves (unless it's in court). To put it bluntly - you 2 are freaking awesome!! I love you very much and I hope you find a fun way to celebrate. Oh, and keep that playful nature alive. I love it. All my love, Molly

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABE!

I know other people probably wanted to post this, but I decided to leap at the chance. I cannot tell you how much Shane and I have enjoyed Abe and Des' hospitality this past year. I've always wanted to hang out with Abe, even when I was a little girl, and now that I finally get the chance to, I can't even explain how happy I am! And it is so adorable watching him interact with John. He is such a great Dad! The photo is from a Cubs game that Abe took Shane and I to. He was explaining how the game works to little John. Abe, happy birthday. Thank you for letting me celebrate it with you! Love you!!

Football results

Hello wonderful family!!! I hope that this finds everyone doing well. I know the summer months are upon us, which means that we all become busy with different adventures. For me, that is gearing up to leave the place that I have called home for the past 2 and 1/2 years and setting up shop in a new location. While I am sure I will be stressed about the upcoming move, and saddened by the thought of leaving, I know that where I am going to next holds completely different and exciting challenges and adventures just awaiting to be had! As all of you know, for the past few months I have participated in the Women's Tackle Football League. It was definitely an experience, in many different ways. I have to say, I never thought I would have so much fun playing the sport. I think all the years of backyard football definitely paid off.  While I was originally set to be an offensive player, I ended up playing wherever they needed me, but mainly as safety. Our team went 6-1 on the regular season and steam rolled through our first two opponents of the playoffs to make it to the championship game.  Unfortunately, the game did not end up as I would have liked.  The score was 47-0. Definitely not indicative of the effort that was put up or the fight that happened within that field, but disappointing for sure.  However, it was an experience and one that I am so glad that I was able to be a part of. I have included a few pictures of the season, there are definitely more and hopefully I will be able to find a way to get some out there, but this will just give you a taste of what I was able to experience. It would have been awesome to have family at the games, but I know that all of you were cheering me on from the states, which is even better! :) 

I cannot wait for August to see all of you. I miss you all dearly and I am excited to move back within the 50 states for the next few years.

Love always,
Jen

Buyske Boys Cheer for Aunt Jen

We're proud of you, Jen!  Wish we could have been there in person to cheer you on during your football season.  Glad you got the chance to try something new.  Can't wait to see you in August!

Love you!

Will, Ben, Leo and Mack

Our singer -Kaitlyn Philpot

 So Kaitlyn was in a little singing group this year and had a cute recital on Saturday. She is the last kid on the left, kind of behind the microphone - curly hair, great moves, cute smile. :) Wish we could all live closer for such festivities but thought we would include ya'll from afar.

Kuwait Nickolas!

Nick's unit is in Kuwait.  He says the weather isn't too bad, no hotter than Texas was the last few weeks.  Just very sandy (really?)   Anyway, if you want to write to Nick the next few months here is his address:
SPC WINGERTER, NICKOLAS J
HHC 1-189TH TF VIGILANTE
APO AE 09330
He would love to hear from y'all!
Mary

Happy Birthday Jake!

Yep!  Jake is 28 years old today.  It is hard to believe that the chunk of a baby is already 28.  When he decided to make his entry into the world, Jim had been playing softball all day in a tournament.  I started contractions and Jim was like...No Way!  There was no stopping the 9 pound Jake!  The nurses called him a bowling ball.  Maybe that is why he loves bowling so much!
Have a terrific day today Jake!  We love you tons~
Mom

Summer's comin'

I got my summer haircut this week. Only way I can lose weight these days. Hope y'all have a good weekend!

Brother reunion

Hi y'all from Central Texas.

This past weekend Ben, Nick and Sam were able to come down to Austin to enjoy some time together before Nick's big deployment.  Nick has been in Fort Hood for the past month or so.  He got a few days leave before they are deployed this coming weekend.  His buddy drove him here to Austin on Fri. we went to a birthday party for one of my co-workers.  The theme was "nerd" so Nick just wore his regular clothes and the rest of us dressed up.  See pictures below.

Sam and Ben joined us Saturday night.  We had a heated game of bowling followed soon after with some delicious grub from Whataburger. Sunday morning we grabbed some coffee and hung at the house.  That afternoon Deanne joined us for a BBQ adventure to Lockhart which is a world renowned destination for smoked meats.  Naturally we ordered the "extra-large family meal." Touted as one of the biggest feasts in Texas we gladly accepted the challenge. Needless to say we all ate til we thought we'd burst then packed up the copious amount of leftovers.  We followed the gorging with another competition at Peter Pan mini-golf. Ben has a picture of us there and can post it.  After mini-golf we joined a group of friends for some sand volleyball.  We finished the day with some leftovers and games at my apartment.

I skipped work Monday and we grabbed breakfast tacos and an excellent placed here called Juan in a Million.  The owner typically greets customers with his award winning handshake. After breakfast we thought Wiffle ball would be fun and preceded to drive for hours around Austin looking for an official bat.  we finally found one and had a great afternoon reliving childhood summers.  Ben and Sam flew out Monday night.  Nick, Dee and I watched a movie Monday night. 

Back to work Tuesday for me.  Nick got to take in the Austin zoo, which is really more of an animal sanctuary. We had dinner at a good place on Lake Travis and actually went to bed fairly early. 

Nick drove back to base earlier this morning.  Overall it was an awesome weekend and I was so glad I got to spend time with my brothers.  I am so proud of Nick and was especially happy to get to see him.  It will be hard for all of us to have him away but he is serving his country which is one of the most admirable things one can do.

I am now trying to recover (both bodily and emotionally) from the weekend. 

I love this great family and can't wait to see you...soon hopefully.

Jake

Happy Mothers Day!

I often think that one day a year is wholly inadequate for recognizing our mothers. They should get a whole season. At least Mothers Day takes place in the spring, which is the season I believe they deserve. Anyway, here's a big shout-out to my Mom, to Ann's Mom, and to the mothers of our grandchildren. Love them all. Have a great day ... er, season.

Happy Birthday, Joey

Happy birthday to our special son who is 32 today!  Your dry, dry sense of humor never ceases to amaze me!!  You are such a great guy and we are so proud of all that you do!  Blessings on the changes that are going to occur in your life come August!  You have a terrific soulmate!!  Love you!  Dad and Mom

Dad's Airplane

After all these years I was finally able to see dads airplane fly at an airshow in Chino, CA.  There were five P-38's at the show out of seven in the world.  They made 10,000 from 1941 to 1945 at the Lockheed factory northwest of Chino in Burbank, CA.  The P38 was quite the airplane and it took a skillful pilot to master.  All five did fly at once and it was an awesome site.

Cousin Cog's July Service

Kathleen asked me to post this on our family blog.  For anyone who is planning on going to Cousin Cog's service it is Saturday, July 6th.  Here is the rest of the information:

So glad some of you will be able to come. I think we've almost settled on 11:30 for gravesite and then lunch and a couple of tributes at the new Two Dot Community Center/Fire Hall, followed by cake at the ranch. If you plan to stay the night, you should call soon for a room in Harlo or Martinsdale/White Sulphur. We all may head to the Two Dot Bar Sat night, and you wouldn't want to miss that!

Hope to see lots of our family there!