June, what a month!

From beginning to end June has been a wonderful month full of many extra special family get togethers. First was Michael's graduation party in their back yard. A crowd of family and friends wishing him well in his future at Michigan State University. He already bleeds green for MSU.

Then there were celebrations with gifts, cake and homemade ice cream for Michael's 18th birthday and Stephen's 20th birthday. Father's Day came next with 26 here in our front yard. It is a Jessup family tradition that began at the Jessup farm about the time I was dating Dad/Grandpa.
What a joy it is to see the generations come along. Croquet and Pedro plus a bountiful buffet are highlights of the event every year.

Sue Neller moved into her spacious, beautiful new home. I provided picnic lunches on moving days and we initiated her large, airy screened porch dining table. Chad came to help with the move and it was good to see him and hear about Ryan. Sue told me she and Jenny will host Thanksgiving so put that on your calendar.

All month Dad/Grandpa has been picking strawberries in our garden. A total of 72 quarts of large, lucious berries were frozen, made into shortcake or pie, jam, eaten plain and shared with family and friends.
Don had a good crop of cherries and Barbara made a triple batch of jam
to share. Blueberries will be coming along soon.

Last weekend I went to Alma College with Barbara for Laura's end of Percussion Camp performance. She is a good drummer and plays other percussion instruments too. I've learned a lot about that section of the band from her.

There were numerous times shared with friends: sad times (Cliff Roberts death) and happy times (Irma Farmer's wedding), coffee and lunch dates and our strawberry shortcake party last Sunday.

The month began with Stephen's return from Jordan and ends with Liane's departure for France. World travelers--when I was their age I'd only been to Canada and Mexico. July in the morning, a new month!

Silly Mckenna

Well I got in here but I don't know how to get out oh well guess I should just look cute then
Let me out of here
Maybe if I shake it that will help

No Tech Grandma

I love reading the blog and seeing your photos but even with two telephone consultations with Caitlin I can't seem to post some photos. Also Laura and Barbara recorded a TV program I wanted to see and I thought I followed their directions when I wanted to watch it but it didn't come up. The next generation of Grandma's (Cynthia) won't have this problem.

Today and tomorrow are moving days for Sue and Jenny. I'm taking lunch out for them. Chad is coming tonight so he can hook up her computer, TV etc. Unfortunately, Dad can't get an occupancy permit because one inspector won't answer the septic system man's messages. It is very frustrating for all. So they'll sleep on the floor in the old house until he comes and says OK! Love, Grandma/Mother

I'm An Aunt My First Nephew

Aiden not even a day old
Full body shot of him. He was 8LB 5 Ounces 20 1/2 inches
Mckenna checking her first cousin out she isn't to sure of Mommy holding another baby
This pic is just after I was pushing Mckenna's arm away from looking like she was going to high five his face
Proud Aunt I love it all ready!!!!!!!!

Mckenna update

Mckenna loves the pool
Mckenna giving Lily Kisses
Helping Mommy
Just Reading
Beautiful

Barbara and I enjoyed our trip. Barbara is enjoying the view from the London eye above the tames river.

notice the hanging fireplaces at Slane Hill. The wood floors have long since disapeared.

Here is Mike on graduation day. Celebrating with his Bee's.

Stormy Night

This is taken from our deck looking north just after the first wave of storms blew through.
This is what it looked like just minutes later when the next one was just getting ready to dump.

Lots of loud thunder and bright lightening got our attention. Luckily the tornados were south of us and didn't touch down from what I heard.

Sleep tight!

The Graduate

Michael John Jessup
Ready for ????????

Happy Birthday, Cindy! We went biking today, too. Sharon is still enjoying her "birthday" bike. More photos on flickr (here).

Happy Birthday, Cynthia

We woke up remembering another June 5th in Tacoma, Washington where we welcomed Cynthia into our family. Dad/Grandpa was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers where he ran a sawmill, a very good placement for a forestry graduate. In 1956 his monthly pay was $350! We were living upstairs in a 4plex apartment. Neighbors were assigned to Fort Lewis (Army) or McCord Air Force base. We did our grocery shopping at the Army PX, children under a certain age were not allowed in the grocery store so I left Cynthia in a babysitting room at the entrance! After naptime, all of us young mother's in those apartments would dress ourselves and our baby up to wait for the dad's to come home for dinner. We'd sit on the grass in the front yard talking watching the children creep and then walk around. We still keep in touch with two of those families!

In 1957 when we moved to Alpena, MI for the job with Abitibi Corp. Dad/Grandpa got a $25/month raise in pay. Today it is easy to wonder how we managed. In 1967 when he joined Walter Neller Co. he started at the huge salary of $1,000 per month.

It is so special that our tradition of cake and homemade ice cream for birthdays has continued. We are looking forward to that at Caitlin's and Herb's tonight after the Chili Cook Off in Riverfront Park.

Love to all, Mother/Grandma

Back Home

I arrived home from Jordan last night. I am really happy to be home. Jordan was an amazing place but after a month I was ready to come home and see my family and Karli. I arrived safely and I'm sure to see all of you soon! Probably Father's Day. I'll have my computer there so you can see more pictures than just the ones I've posted. I'll see you all soon and I hope all is going well.