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."
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)
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