Go Cubbies Go in 2008!

On December 28th, my brother and sister-in-law celebrated their 5th anniversary, and Ketra sent me this fabulous picture of the happy couple on their special day. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Up until this point, I've tried to be good about following the list for the traditional anniversary gifts. (You know, first year = paper, second year = cotton, etc.) However, as December approached, I knew I would not be able to continue with my plans for their wood gift for five years no matter how hard I tried. Time was just too scarce. So, while trying to deal with the disappointment of not being able to carry on with that, I tried to think of something special I could give them (possibly, make for them) that would be something that Aaron and Ketra would truly enjoy. Then it hit me. I could make them a fleece Cubs blanket. Something to keep them warm for the cold games and something to give them a little extra padding for the long games.

I headed out to the fabric store with many questions. It had been a while since I had made a throw, so I didn't even know how big they were supposed to be. The fabric cutter assured me that most are made to be about 1.5 yards long. I explained to her that I wanted my sister-in-law to have a fighting chance at part of the blanket, so I wanted to make theirs twice as long. So, 9 feet of Cubs fabric was cut.

Then, two days later, another idea hit me. (Or, maybe it was the same idea hitting me just a tad harder!) What gifts could be more perfect for my partners in crime at work, Laurie and Phillip? We're the only Cubs fans in a sea of Cardinals fans. We get plenty of grief for our loyalty, but we know how to hold our own. And, we do it proudly without any apologies. So, I found even more Cubs fleece. Being that I was in the heart of St. Louis, I received some strange stares that day... but I tried to hold my head up high as I exited the store... while realizing that I had purchased enough fleece to also make another for my college buddy and die hard Cubs fan, Mike.

It took me a little while to get everything cut and tied, but, in all, I made one huge blanket for Aaron and Ketra and three smaller throws for Phillip, Laurie, and Mike. I was so excited as I sent Aaron and Ketra's gift in the mail and as I wrapped up the others. I couldn't wait for them to be opened.

Ketra sent me a photo to show me Aaron really appreciated the blanket. I felt badly that Laurie received hers so late due to the hectic schedule at work, but hopefully she got a little hint of what she'd receive when she saw Phillip's throw when she returned to the office. Phillip decided to cover his conference table with his and promptly invited our most aggressive Cardinals fan, Kurt, down to his office for a nice long chat. Kurt could barely stand to be in the room... let alone that close to the Cubs logo. I told Kurt if he really wanted one, I'd sure make one for him. He quickly declined the offer.









So far, the blankets have created a lot of fun. I hoped the gifts would help each of the recipients root a little louder for our dear Cubs while they surge toward victory.

Seriously. I think this could be the year.

Seriously.

New Year Games

I know these posts will be out of order, but hopefully, together, we can make sense of all of this.

Amongst a great feast at the church building and some wonderful preaching by Elder Marty Smith, Little Flock Church followed its annual tradition of singing in the new year. The voices truly rang out that evening, and we could feel the Lord's presence as we anticipated the arrival of 2008.

It is also the tradition to break up a tad early so that some members can make it safely home before the new year's arrival. But, others of us have become accustomed to moving the celebration to a member's home to be rambunctious and loud while playing crazy board games. We've been known to even bang a pot and pan or two together at midnight. Look out Times Square! We know how to really celebrate.

So, we moved to the Zimmerman household. We decorated cookies. (Brother Chris' gingerbread man is a rather smiley chap with a rather large schnoz.) We talked in the living room while putting off playing the games. (At least, it seemed that way to me.) We watched Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest call out the countdown. We played PIT! (Two, two, two! Three, Three!) We played Catchphrase which made us need to take breaks to catch our breath from laughing so hard.

But, I think we would all agree. The most fun activity of the night, hands down, was HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS! Just look at Tressa's face. She was so excited.

I know some of you played a game that our family politely calls "I Doubt It!" And, some of you played Risk. But, did you play any other games while ringing in the new year? Better yet, do you have any games you liked as a child that you like to bring out every once in a while and play again? (If not, I strongly suggest Hungry Hungry Hippos with a pre-schooler.)

Stremmel Family Christmas 2007

Each year, on the Saturday before Christmas, the Stremmel extended family meets in Canton to celebrate Christmas. Through the years, our get-together has gone through many changes, but for several years now, we have gathered to start some new traditions. And, many have stuck, and we like to have a lot of fun carrying them out.

One of my favorite parts. The littlest cousins love to gather around Great Uncle Dennis at the piano to sing songs. Of course, the biggest little cousin, Bart, can't help but join in too.

We then break for the men's grab bag gift or white elephant exchange. Many other families participate in something like this, and the game includes a lot of teasing, stealing presents, persuading others to please take my present, and trying to figure out what exactly that is in my box. Dad is more interested in David's present than his gloves, and Uncle Dick (in yellow) doesn't know quite what to think about his GIANT TV remote. By the conclusion of the game, Dad ended up with a fork and spoon that each stretch out about two feet - just in case he's in a situation where he'll need a little extra reach.

Lauren shows off her pink bag that she won in the women's gift exchange, and Brianna is sittin' pretty.
Little Gavin's shirt sure tells the story, and Miss Kayla and Miss Taryn wait to join in on the carols.


Of course, we started our big carol sing by first carrying out our traditional Twelve Days of Christmas with each family member (or group of family members) singing for each day and gift. Uncle Dick (again, in yellow) sings a very dramatic "Five Golden Rings", so we try to make sure that he always receives that part. We acted out the gifts also... with a lot of drummers drumming, ladies dancing, and, yes, maids milking. I was representing Six Geese A' Laying, so I am sure you can imagine!

I've received many questions wondering how we've been able to have so many participate in the fun at our family Christmas party. The truth is, in years past, many of my cousins have been big ol' sticks in the mud. That's right. I said it. Sticks in the mud! They might has well have said 'Bah humbug' throughout some of the past parties. It has been wonderful watching their children become older, see these funny things we've been trying to do year after year, and look forward to participating. So, my cousins have then wanted to join in with their children.

I always enjoy going home to sample some of the family's best cooking. There are some dishes that I am able to eat only once a year. So it is important to go through the line early, because some of pots become empty quickly. Unfortunately, I spoke with cousin Bart too long, but I was so happy to be able to scrape out the last helping of Aunt Norma's beef and noodles when I finally went through the line. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

In the past few years, it seems we have become more busy and more disconnected. So, I asked if each cousin, aunt and uncle would be willing to stand up, re-introduce their family and provide some highlights of the year. Yes, there were a lot of grumbles and moans. But, that was my favorite part of the day. (The sharing. Not the grumbling and moaning.) While some of the family sees each other several times a week, some of us live farther away and really miss knowing what is going on in the lives of our loved ones. It was a wonderful day with the extended family and a great start to the Christmas week.

I'll Be Back...Soon

I'll try really hard. I will. I promise. I've been trying. But, I'll try even harder tomorrow. Or, maybe even tonight. Or, maybe it will be during the part of tonight that is really tomorrow. When I'm working at the hotel, things get a little blurry and I forget what time or day it is. Goes with the territory, probably.

Passing of a Co-worker

Some time ago, I resolved to not check in on others' blog unless I had recently written a post or was in the midst of making one. Because the last two weeks have been hectic, I have not been able to write and, therefore, have missed my online friends and their blogs. I hope you will forgive me, and I will try to catch up next week with all I've been waiting to share. Of course, I never know what will happen, but I will try.

I had big plans to post yesterday, but something much more important took precedence in the day. Our company lost a dedicated employee who was in charge of production for our site. After the exchange from third shift to first, Mike reviewed the day with his lead staff, helped for the set-up of the production line, and came up to the front office to meet with our boss Phillip just as he did every morning. Mike felt like he was experiencing indigestion from overeating at the holidays, so he went to the lunchroom to retrieve some antacid from the first aid kit after leaving Phillip's office. Shortly after, a co-worker walked into the lunchroom to find that Mike had collapsed. While waiting for the ambulance, 3 of our staff members tried to revive him. The ambulance and medical staff did everything they could, but later that morning, we received word that Mike passed away due to a massive heart attack.

Mike, Production Manager, on left with Steve, Ice Cream Pilot Plant Tech

It has been difficult for our staff to pick up the pieces. The production operators who worked for Mike had just seen him an hour before, and it was hard to believe that he was now gone. The gruff man with extremely high expectations was not here to lead the team, and the absence was difficult to understand. Thankfully, each of us saw glimpses of his soft side from time to time, but he was careful not to show it too often - as he needed his team to stay on task, respect him, keep up the expectations at work. But, Mike would visit my office for small chats...and occasionally, unexpectedly, a long talk would be shared. It started with sharing our cat stories. Lots and lots of funny cat stories. The discussions often landed on our mutual love of music. He had just started a band this year, and he seemed happier than he had ever been. And, every once in a while, he'd carefully ease into a spiritual topic. I have no business answering these types of questions for anyone, but I'd study my bible to try to give him the best answer I could. I am most thankful for those times, and I am thankful - and amazed - that he was comfortable to talk to me about these important matters.

We will be trying to find our way in the weeks ahead as our employees are very close. We have banded together. We've spent time talking, we've shared stories, and we've taken breaks when we've needed them. A grief counselor has been on our site today, and I am happy to see that several co-workers have taken advantage of the opportunity to speak with her. My close friend Alan has stepped up to take responsibility as the interim Production Manager. And, when our leadership team met with first and second shifts yesterday afternoon to wrap up the day, our friend Tyrone led us in the most beautiful prayer. It was wonderful to join together with our co-workers to thank God for our blessings, plead for His healing, and ask Him to wrap his arms around Mike's family. Please join us in praying for our staff and Mike's wife and two children.