November was a momentous month. Don (Pops) had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and he came through it with a great report from the doctors. It was a scary procedure by any measure, but Don is home now and recuperating. We are so thankful and we praise God that he is doing so well. This brought particular reflection during Thanksgiving, especially since Don was still in the hospital that day.
Andy continues to develop into 110% little boy. One morning he decided he would start caring about clothes he gets to wear. He showed Mama the outfit he wanted to wear, which included a pair of brown pajama bottoms. Momma tried to get him interested in some jeans but he would have nothing of it. Then Dad showed him the “hammer hole” loop on his jeans and how his plastic hammer could go with him wherever he goes, and the deal was sealed. He now has two plastic hammers that go everywhere with him, including bedtime. After setting him down for sleep, it is not uncommon to hear him remodeling his crib before nodding off. Tap tap tap tap BANG tap tap.
Andy also has learned to whistle, if you can believe it. He sees Daddy doing it all the time and so, what the heck, let’s learn to whistle before we learn to talk, shall we?
Not that he doesn’t have any words. Our favorite is probably “wet”, which is his word for anything that he drinks.
And further evidence that God trumps Darwin, Andy does not take after his dad’s own childhood diet. Beets, pumpkin, green beans, sweet potato, you name it…he loves it all.
November was also the height of leaf removal for Prairie Village this year. Andy was not to be left out—he really enjoyed helping Dad rake (and un-rake) the mammoth piles of leaves.
Lastly, Marshall spent a long weekend in Pennsylvania helping Andy’s Pawpaw split enough firewood for the winter. Thank God for gas-powered log splitters. Still, it was a workout.
Thank you for tuning in to this blog to catch up with us. We do this for loved ones who live far away, and it is a great blessing to be reminded of you each month as we put it together.
This Advent season, may you be blessed as you celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior.
Merry Christmas,
The Minnichs
*It came to our attention that we failed to notify folks of last month’s update. Sorry about that—you can scroll down below to see October’s entry.
October 2009
Before the update, let us thank you all for reading and keeping up with us. We love putting the blog together each month and thinking of our friends and family as we do so.
The last few weeks have been marked by lots of leaves and acorns. Andy and Virginia love romping in the leaves and throwing, chewing (V), and collecting the acorns. Andy is quite the helper when it comes to yard work. He loves to carry the rake around and help daddy use the leaf blower.
A big highlight of the month (for Andy) was the construction of speed humps on our street. Marshall took some videos of the asphalt paver, roller, dump truck and skid-steer so that Andy can re-live the experience over and over. And over.
It's so fun to watch Andy learn new things every day. He's a smart cookie, and even knows that the best way to get daddy out of bed on Saturday is to bring daddy's slippers and "ears" (hearing aids), then tug on his hand.
Marshall and I celebrated our 6th anniversary together. We've seen lots of wonder in the past few years. Thanks to each of you for walking this journey with us.
The last few weeks have been marked by lots of leaves and acorns. Andy and Virginia love romping in the leaves and throwing, chewing (V), and collecting the acorns. Andy is quite the helper when it comes to yard work. He loves to carry the rake around and help daddy use the leaf blower.
A big highlight of the month (for Andy) was the construction of speed humps on our street. Marshall took some videos of the asphalt paver, roller, dump truck and skid-steer so that Andy can re-live the experience over and over. And over.
It's so fun to watch Andy learn new things every day. He's a smart cookie, and even knows that the best way to get daddy out of bed on Saturday is to bring daddy's slippers and "ears" (hearing aids), then tug on his hand.
Marshall and I celebrated our 6th anniversary together. We've seen lots of wonder in the past few years. Thanks to each of you for walking this journey with us.
September 2009
Wow, we (Marshall here) really don’t have much to share about the month of September. Fall definitely arrived, and we celebrated Aimee’s 29th birthday. Aimee also went on a 3-day business trip leaving Marshall to survive his first multi-day stint taking care of Andy alone. The last time we tried this it was for less than 24 hours but Andy awoke in the middle of the night puking all over everything. That was good times that I will never forget. But alas, Andy and I escaped unscathed this time. But, we only have 2 photos and a couple of videos to share this month. Sorry!
August 2009
We had a pretty slow month, other than a visit from Marshall's aunt and uncle--Brook and Pete. It was great to see them on our turf and show them our house. Aimee's Great Aunt, Sister Rita (she's a nun) also came for a visit. Four of the 10 great-aunts are still living and a few of them came to lunch at Nana's. Andy enjoyed showing off for all the guests and we enjoyed catching up.
Andy continues to amaze in cuteness (ok, I might be a little biased, but he's pretty cute). Still not much for talking in English, but he definitely understands what we're saying. Sometimes too much. He stepped on a flower and said, "Darn!" Guess Mama better watch her language. And the other day Marshall said his shoulder hurt. Andy looked very concerned and started rubbing Marshall's shoulder. Marshall said, "Oh, thanks Buddy, but it's the other shoulder." So Andy switched to rubbing the other shoulder.
Andy wants to write something this month. hn nn/ m0/ sss s[';sjkdzszmm n hh bnb nhb V 2555nn n n99+65- That translates to: "I love you guys. Talk to you later."
Andy continues to amaze in cuteness (ok, I might be a little biased, but he's pretty cute). Still not much for talking in English, but he definitely understands what we're saying. Sometimes too much. He stepped on a flower and said, "Darn!" Guess Mama better watch her language. And the other day Marshall said his shoulder hurt. Andy looked very concerned and started rubbing Marshall's shoulder. Marshall said, "Oh, thanks Buddy, but it's the other shoulder." So Andy switched to rubbing the other shoulder.
Andy wants to write something this month. hn nn/ m0/ sss s[';sjkdzszmm n hh bnb nhb V 2555nn n n99+65- That translates to: "I love you guys. Talk to you later."
July 2009
We began the month with Fourth of July fireworks and family fun. Andy got to stay up late and we had the best view in town of a great fireworks display. Uncle Darrin took us up to his offices on the top floor of the closest building to the display. They were awesome. Watch the videos and you can hear Andy saying, "Whoa!".
We also had tons of fun playing with our friends the Harrows at their block party. A real, live fire truck came and sprayed water all over the street. Andy was courageous enough to run in and out of the huge stream spray. He laughed and laughed.
Speaking of laughing...Marshall ran into a tree while playing catch with his friend Paul. Paul said, "Back up, Marshall. Let's see how far 60 feet is." Then Paul threw the ball over Marshall's head and while running backward and spinning to catch the ball, Marshall ran into a tree. It was really funny for about 1/2 a second, until I realized that Marshall was seriously hurt. He was dazed and bleeding profusely and I knew immediately that he needed lots of stitches. Being a good wife I said, "Don't look at it. Just go to the hospital and they'll probably put in one or two stitches." An hour and ten stitches later, Marshall emerged from the ER bruised and in pain.
And speaking of stitches, our dog had her share too. We grew concerned about a couple of bumps on her skin, so the vet removed them (lab result: no cancer). But Virginia wasn't too happy to have these big holes on her back, so she promptly chewed out the stitches. The vet then added super-glue, but that only lasted about 4 hours. We lost count of how many stitches and re-stitches and re-gluings we had, but we finally got her on the mend. For two weeks we had to endure Virginia bumping into everything with the upside down lamp-shade on her head.
Other than that, it's been a pretty normal month.
For you devoted fans, I'll turn to the cute Andy stories. The rest of you can stop reading now, while I brag about my adorable, smart son. He loves to pray before meals--sometimes three or four times until we declare it's time to eat. He grabs our hands, bows his head, and says "blah, blah, adabah, God."
Andy also loves to talk on the phone, but doesn't always talk out loud. He waves at the phone when we tell him to say "Hi". So if you get a blank message on your machine, you'll know who it's from.
June 2009
As anticipated, the month of June was low-key for us. As a result, we don’t have many photos to share with you, but I (Marshall here) couldn’t resist posting this video front and center for all the world to see. As it was a little past his bedtime, Andy was giddy and temporarily forgot that he was only 18 months old (notice after he pulls a superb fake on Momma he then runs it in for a touchdown). Yes, I’m a proud papa, but given his genes I’m probably not going to encourage him into football.
May 2009
(Marshall here) Before we had recovered from April's trip to California, it was time to head the other direction for Eric and Valarie's wedding in Maryland. My friendship with Eric traces back to our UVa days and is a redemptive work of God that largely took root in just the last 6 weeks of our time there. Eric and Val's wedding was beautiful. Set in Saint Michael's at the Inn at Perry Cabin, it was a truly memorable occasion.
And the timing of the occasion was remarkable for us. My grandfather had passed away the week before (see previous post), so we were able to be with my mom in the midst of her grieving. We stayed with her in Lancaster and she joined us on the trip down to Maryland for the wedding. Andy had some quality time with his Mommom, and all of us enjoyed a cruise on a catamaran the day before the wedding. After the wedding, we returned to Lancaster and spent the next day with the Degler cousins and Pawpaw and Kristen and Aunt Brooke and Uncle Pete at Minnich Farm. Be sure to check out this month's photos and videos on the sidebar.
Andy was a real trooper through all of this. I think he has endured more flight time and more jet lag already than I did in my first 10 years of life. Also in the last month, he learned to climb up on the couch, teethed the last of his baby teeth, decided he would spend all of his time outdoors if possible, and developed a love for books, especially those with tractors and boats like the ones he saw back east.
We are happy to be back home for a stretch and are looking forward to summer in Kansas City.
May 12, 2009
Robert Matlack Trimble
Oct. 5, 1919 - May 12, 2009
(Marshall here) My grandfather "Poppop" went to be with Jesus this morning. He went peacefully, holding my mother's hand as she hummed to him. He even smiled a bit.
Robert Trimble lived a good life and gave his family and his country ample reason to be proud. He piloted 30+ missions for the Army Air Force in WWII. Later in the war, as an OSS officer, he tracked the German retreat on the Eastern front and worked for the release of POW's, as many of the camps were being abandoned and even destroyed by our allies. In one instance, he won the release of several hundred French women who had been captured by the Germans and put to work for their war effort. For this particular endeavor, he received a medal from Charles de Gaulle. His wife Eleanor never liked him telling this story about all those French women, and he (usually) obeyed! After the war, my grandfather came home and raised his two sons and one daughter with wife Eleanor and worked quietly for the Pennsylvania Railroad till retirement.
But the one thing for which I am most grateful is that my grandfather came to recognize his need for a Savior and invited Jesus into his life. And this didn't even occur until later in his life. But since then, he and Eleanor grew in their new lives as believers and prayed faithfully for me and others. Eleanor went home to Jesus a couple years ago, and now with Poppop passing I am left to reflect on the earthly loss of such a strong link in my faith lineage. Whenever I witness, I am sure to share about them.
Join me today in praising God for the joy and the gift that was Robert Matlack Trimble's life.
-R. Marshall Minnich
P.S. You can view my grandfather's obituary here.
April 2009
What a month! Aimee left her job with the law firm; Marshall launched a side job doing landscape work; we all went to California for a 12 day vacation (Marshall stayed a few extra days for another Leadership Institute session); we came home on the 29th and Aimee started her new job on the 1st.
I (Aimee) am working for Servant Christian Community Foundation, whose mission is to inspire, teach, and facilitate biblical generosity. I will be providing legal work and working with donors to help them design their charitable giving plans. Trust me, it's way more fun than it sounds.
Marshall's new job has him outdoors quite a bit, as evidenced by his red face. I think he enjoys the manual labor and finds it a nice contrast to his duties with Rhythm of Grace.
Now the topic everyone really cares about--Andy. He's saying some new words, but you really have to pay attention to understand what he means. He says "ou" as in "outside", as he leans on the back door. "Uh, uh," means "pick me up". "Da" could refer to Dad, dog, or door. He also points just in case you can't tell what he's saying. His new tricks include blowing kisses and climbing up the slide both ways.
Finally, our vacation to California was fabulous. The pictures pretty much tell the story. We enjoyed the hikes, visiting with Nana and Pops, visiting with Scott and Susy and Blaine (just two weeks older than Andy), picking fresh oranges, and playing with Melissa and the Andres. Andy especially loved everything related to golf. Nana had a special set of clubs for him, but he was pretty content to play with Pop's clubs. It was also great fun to go down to the course and watch the adults play; he needs to learn how to cheer quietly, though.
Starting this month, our monthly photos and videos will be in the same album. You can access April 2009 here and the previous videos from 2009 can be found in their respective month's albums.
Lastly, we want to invite you to pray for Marshall's grandfather, Robert Trimble. Poppop is 89 years old and not doing well at the moment. But we rejoice in the knowledge that when he departs this life he is heading home to be with Jesus. Poppop, we love you and miss you.
I (Aimee) am working for Servant Christian Community Foundation, whose mission is to inspire, teach, and facilitate biblical generosity. I will be providing legal work and working with donors to help them design their charitable giving plans. Trust me, it's way more fun than it sounds.
Marshall's new job has him outdoors quite a bit, as evidenced by his red face. I think he enjoys the manual labor and finds it a nice contrast to his duties with Rhythm of Grace.
Now the topic everyone really cares about--Andy. He's saying some new words, but you really have to pay attention to understand what he means. He says "ou" as in "outside", as he leans on the back door. "Uh, uh," means "pick me up". "Da" could refer to Dad, dog, or door. He also points just in case you can't tell what he's saying. His new tricks include blowing kisses and climbing up the slide both ways.
Finally, our vacation to California was fabulous. The pictures pretty much tell the story. We enjoyed the hikes, visiting with Nana and Pops, visiting with Scott and Susy and Blaine (just two weeks older than Andy), picking fresh oranges, and playing with Melissa and the Andres. Andy especially loved everything related to golf. Nana had a special set of clubs for him, but he was pretty content to play with Pop's clubs. It was also great fun to go down to the course and watch the adults play; he needs to learn how to cheer quietly, though.
Starting this month, our monthly photos and videos will be in the same album. You can access April 2009 here and the previous videos from 2009 can be found in their respective month's albums.
Lastly, we want to invite you to pray for Marshall's grandfather, Robert Trimble. Poppop is 89 years old and not doing well at the moment. But we rejoice in the knowledge that when he departs this life he is heading home to be with Jesus. Poppop, we love you and miss you.
March 2009
Mom and Dad are busy, so they let me write this month's report. March was exciting. Pawpaw came in from Pennsylvania and we had a great time playing. He's a good cook, too. Thanks, Pawpaw. While he was here the water utility sent a backhoe to dig up our front yard. Wow, a real live backhoe! Then, the weather turned warm and Mom and Dad let me pick up sticks while we went for a hike at the Overland Park Arboretum. Last weekend, we got hit with 6 inches of heavy, wet snow, so I helped shovel the driveway. Dad is worried that the snow will ruin the many blooming plants we usually see in our yard, but I don't think so. I just turned 15 months old and am already starting to look just like my daddy--short. I'm glad Mom and Dad are finally starting to understand some of the things I say. I've been talking to them for months, but sometimes they just don't listen. I love to say hi to all of the customers when Momma takes me to the bagel shop. And now that I've learned how to say Dad's name, sometimes I wander around the house calling him. I love to give hugs--even to Virginia, but sometimes she runs away before I can catch her.
Enjoy the new photos and videos posted on the sidebar.
-Andersen (and Marshall and Aimee, too)
February 2009
Not much to report this month. We told you that Andy began walking in January, and so February contained many new discoveries for him. We ended the month with a 6 inch snowfall, which Andy enjoyed immensely. Be sure to check out the videos of Andy dancing the mambo, along with many other pics and videos on the sidebar. -Marshall and Aimee
January 2009
As you can see above, the big news from us this month is that Andy is finally walking. It was almost 3 months ago that he took his first couple of steps, but he just wasn’t enamored with walking; he was quite content to keep doing his cute crab-crawl. Now, if you turn your attention for a second, he can be off to another room and out of sight. It is becoming clear that he and “Ninna” (his improved name for our dog, Virginia) will be best friends someday, and up to all sorts of mischief. Andy loves to share stuff. Besides offering every bit of his food and most of his toys to Virginia, he’ll also offer you his half-chewed bagel and his slimy binky, most of the time shoving it into your mouth before you can object. He doesn’t speak much still, though you can tell that sometimes what he has to say is very very important. His favorite time of the day—and ours, consequently—is late evening after he puts on his PJ’s. Andy supercharges his cuteness and puts on big smiles as he scurries around making sounds like a chimpanzee. It is great fun for all of us.
The month was another bitter cold one, though we didn’t have much snow. Marshall was fortunate to escape to southern California for his Journey retreat with the Leadership Institute. Aimee was not so lucky this time, but she plans to join Marshall on the next one, in April. Hopefully the trails will be free of snow then (see photos on sidebar), as we hope to do some hiking. Incidentally, Marshall’s reconstructed foot is holding up very well—praise God!
-Marshall and Aimee
The month was another bitter cold one, though we didn’t have much snow. Marshall was fortunate to escape to southern California for his Journey retreat with the Leadership Institute. Aimee was not so lucky this time, but she plans to join Marshall on the next one, in April. Hopefully the trails will be free of snow then (see photos on sidebar), as we hope to do some hiking. Incidentally, Marshall’s reconstructed foot is holding up very well—praise God!
-Marshall and Aimee
Happy New Year!
The month of December was eventful and exhausting as expected. Andy enjoyed the hub-bub of an Andersen family Christmas, as all of Aimee’s family descended on KC for the week. We did manage to capture a few moments alone as a family simply to be together in peace and quiet and thank God for our many blessings.
It was one of the coldest months we’ve ever known, and in fact we went to Arrowhead to see the Chiefs lose another on what was the 2nd coldest day in Chiefs history. Surviving the cold was more of an achievement than the Chiefs could claim this year.
Andy turned one on December 29 and benefited from not one but two birthday cakes: one with Aimee’s family just before Christmas and one with just mom and dad on his actual day. He still doesn’t think he can walk on his own (we think he can if he would just try!). And it appears that his first word besides momma, dada, and “inna” (Virginia) is “eye”. He likes to touch momma’s eyes when she’s giving him a bottle and we’ve been talking all about facial features. Other than that, grunting and pointing seems to work for most things.
We pray that 2009 has greeted you with happiness and joy.
Blessings to you,
Marshall and Aimee
It was one of the coldest months we’ve ever known, and in fact we went to Arrowhead to see the Chiefs lose another on what was the 2nd coldest day in Chiefs history. Surviving the cold was more of an achievement than the Chiefs could claim this year.
Andy turned one on December 29 and benefited from not one but two birthday cakes: one with Aimee’s family just before Christmas and one with just mom and dad on his actual day. He still doesn’t think he can walk on his own (we think he can if he would just try!). And it appears that his first word besides momma, dada, and “inna” (Virginia) is “eye”. He likes to touch momma’s eyes when she’s giving him a bottle and we’ve been talking all about facial features. Other than that, grunting and pointing seems to work for most things.
We pray that 2009 has greeted you with happiness and joy.
Blessings to you,
Marshall and Aimee
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