Bob & Jenny Faasen

Jim & Kathy's deck completed

2010-08-06T11:38:00.002-05:00

The new deck on Jim (my brother) & Kathy's house is complete & is in full use.

Keepin busy

2010-08-01T10:46:00.002-05:00

This summer has been a fun one with time to visit family and friends, but there's always work to be done.

Dave & Little David (Jr) working on Dave's new house. We have been focused on the kitchen which required HVAC, electrical, foundation repair & ceiling rework. Now we can get to putting the kitchen together.

Sanford & Son deck moving service. Oh yea that's the hot tub deck on a trailer I'm towing.

Then in between projects with Dave I found time to tear down and put up a new deck for my brother Jim in the St. Louis heat. Here's the before and after pictures. Little David was a great help and fun to work with. We used the old wood to put up shelves in Jim's garage on a rainy day.

Summer is on

2010-07-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

The Summer up here in the Midwest has been fun and hot. Barb came to St. Louis to pick up Chiquita and she said to see us.......sure.

The 4th of July was a blast with family BBQ & then fireworks. Andy and Devon getting ready to be beat at washers.

Then the kids play bones while waiting for fireworks.

Then off to Chicago to visit the kids & Teya. You can see party pics to the right "Teya turns 2"

Had a great RV park at Paul Wolfe county park. Then surprised by Devan coming to the area for a softball tournament.

Trip back to St. Louis

2010-06-01T07:42:00.001-05:00

Jenny & I had a fun trip back to the Mid-West this year. We found a terrific RV park right in Arlington, "Treetops Carefree". After a little work with Adam we enjoyed wonderful food, golf, church and fellowship with Adam & Cheryl.

A last minute call took us to downtown Dallas for the day. This is the fun of being on the road and driving your home. Jenny had never been to the grassy knoll where Pres Kennedy was assassinated.

Of course the trip wouldn't have been the same with out our Chiquita.

Another fun stop was the "George Washington Carver National Monument". What an amazing man. I must read his Bio some time.

The kids come to McAllen

2010-02-06T17:37:00.004-06:00

Another year of our family Christmas in January has come and gone. This year was special for several reasons. The triple "T" (Tyler, Tracy & Teya) was able to spend 9 days with us and while the weather was poor the first few days we finished with a bang. Of course Teya is walking now and loves to get out and about.

Andy arrived mid week for a long weekend and we made the best of having the entire group stay in our little home. A Bees game and the cup was in town.

Upon Andy's arrival we toured the WWII museum and the monument of the flag raising on mount Suribachi in Harlingen. We then headed to a Mexican lunch and off to see Lord Stanley's cup.

Trips to birding areas, a ROPA and burgers at the world renowned Gonzales. South Texas at it's best for sure!

Then there was the fun around the house with Teya.

Loli just couldn't get enough of her time with the little one.

There was baths in the sink, trips to the pool and playing in the yard.

Playing on the deck.

What a great Christmas!

A new ride

2010-02-06T17:32:00.003-06:00

What do you do to travel off road and ride thru Mexico when you only have a road bike. Well, you wait for your wonderful wife to save up for a full year to purchase you a new 29 incher.

It rides great after installing a couple of road type tires. Riding all over McAllen and trip is planned with Don P. to Tampico in March.

BTW, that is Charles Clark Chevrolet in the back ground.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T09:20:00.002-06:00

New Year’s resolution……every year closes with a list of things accomplished, along with new goals and resolutions.
I have never been one to run short of things to do and tasks to accomplish, but often I must ask was the priority right. This year is to be one of right priorities and choices.
I can’t imagine a better read for the new year than the first chapter of the book of John in the Bible. John the Baptist said of Jesus “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”, “I have seen and I testify that is the Son of God.” John's followers heard this and then followed Jesus. My priority is to follow Jesus.
Jesus came to take away the sin of the world. Has he taken away yours? The first chapter of John is the place to start. Make it a happy new year!

CHRISTmas in Progresso

2009-12-25T17:32:00.004-06:00

We spent Christmas in Progresso Mexico yesterday with 300 other winter Texans "Amigos de los Niños de México" bringing Christmas to 3,000 children.

The children were very thankful as were their parents.

This event was started in 1979 by Tina Pulido a local business women. See more at:

http://www.shop-progreso.com/los_amigos/index.html

Wood shop in full swing

2009-12-15T14:29:00.003-06:00

Things are in full swing down here in south Texas and the wood shop is humming. I have spent the last couple of months on several church projects which have concluded very nicely.
Recently started a couple of projects that have been on the back burner. This segmented bowl was just completed and sent off to a very special aunt and uncle for Christmas. It is made of red oak & white maple. We have so many great wood workers here at the TIP that are happy to help in any way. Next up flower box, wine stoppers, a couple more bowls & a golf ball rack.

Trip to Chicago

2009-09-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

Last week Jenny & I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for a few days.
While there we spent time with the kids & Teya. Fun, Food & family - a very good time was had. Great break from the heat in South Texas.

Teya comes to STL

2009-08-04T14:34:00.004-05:00

Teya came to St. Louis for a visit, oh yea she also brought Mom & Dad. (Tyler & Tracy) We had a full slate with ball games, trip to the zoo, Andy's B-Day party and tons of relatives to visit.

Here's Hollywood Teya with her cousin Allie.

Then there is always the swing. You know she loves it as she will shake her head no when you try to take her out.

She really likes her new quilt from Lolly.

Looks like girls day out.

Andy turned 30

2009-08-02T14:13:00.001-05:00

Happy 30th B-Day to our son Andy.

Children are a blessing from the Lord & Andy fits this perfectly. He is a constant encouragement and truly a good soul.

We had a great party at Brent & Faith's place Saturday with family & friends. The rain let up and it was a terrific afternoon. THANKS to Brent & Faith for opening their home.

(See Photo album for more Pics)

RAGBRAI 2009

2009-07-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

RAGBRAI ( The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) 2009 has come and gone. Jenny & I had fun reacquainting with friends, riding, eating & camping.

(Steve, Judy, Jenny & I)

Yes this was our home for the week. (Thanks Jud for the loan) One important RAGBRAI fact, take ear plugs - you will camp next to a busy train track every other night.

The towns & people of Iowa were great fun.

See photo album for complete picture set.

Jenny's First Quilt

2009-07-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

My wonderful wife Jenny has completed her first quilt and as you might guess, it's for Teya. It is just beautiful and has much love and character. The cathedrial design is perfect and Teya really loves the small pictures and such. Special thanks to Aunt Willodean who got Jenny started and taught her while we were in Six Mile South Carolina. Also to Kim Sawatzky and her Mom who helped Jen finish and get the quilting done while we were in Iowa last week. You guys are the best.

Jen is already planning Quilt #2.

Teya's First B-Day

2009-07-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

We traveled to Chicago for a wonderful time with family and friends. Jenny & I were joined by Andy on the trip.

Cake anyone?

Teya is such a happy little girl. She has learned to shake her head NO, especially when you try to take her out of the swing.

Tracy's family hosted a great picnic and party, THANKS. Aunt Penny & family are the best. You should see the picture album she created! I will publish a photo album soon.

Arrived in St. Louis

2009-06-12T17:23:00.001-05:00

Arrived in St. Louis Friday after a great road trip thru the South Eastern US. (See prior posts) Great stops and much fun with family and friends.

Friday was a special day in another way: Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Hockey Finals. The stage was set as Pittsburg won game six at home and headed off to the Joe for game 7. Detroit hadn't loss at home and over powered in most home games. However, this was not to be the case in game 7. Detroit looked very flat and Flury in goal for the penguins was not to be beaten. Great game and the start of a new power house. Detroit played well and did a great job in the play offs, but Pittsburgh wore them down and prevailed. In my opinion Flury could have been the MVP, however Malkin proved to be invaluable as the selected MVP. Detroit will be back. Congrats to the Penguins, enjoy the cup!

Fun in South Carolina - part 2

2009-06-07T21:43:00.004-05:00

Next we moved up state to visit Andrew & Willodean (Pictured with Gertrude)in Six Mile SC. It is such fun see them and catch up with the family happenings. They keep very busy with 4 gardens, cows, fish ponds, chickens and more. Looks like a good year.

Jenny enjoyed her fishing along with her partner David they fed us very well.

We were also blessed to catch up with cousins. My cousin Rita, husband Dean and their girls Tiffany and Amanda.

Cousin David with the girls.

Andy cutting hay, as I said he keeps very busy.I

Fun in South Carolina

2009-05-28T21:22:00.002-05:00

Off to South Carolina for a visit with the Hamm side of the family. My mom was one of eleven children born near Newberry SC. We had a very nice time with my aunt Sarah & Carlos in Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach State Park is very nice and right on the beach. Everyone should give it a try.

We then headed up to Newberry (no not Mayberry) to visit my aunt Gertrude, her son Ronnie & wife Andrea. Golfed at Newberry country club, dinner out and worked around the farm with Ronnie. Also was able to spend some time with my cousin Steve Bowers.

We took a ride over to visit my oldest aunt Frances out on Bush River Road.

Here's a picture of the old pharmacy in downtown Newberry were my mother worked around 1945. My dad rented the apartment above the pharmacy and worked as a salesmen at a local retailer. No doubt how they met.

Off to Key West

2009-05-21T16:28:00.002-05:00

After a wonderful visit with Family we loaded up the scooter and headed off to the FL Keys. We departed Naples after breakfast at Joe's. Toured through the Everglades and arrived at Key Largo for the evening.

After miles & miles of viewing the beautiful blue/green water of the Keys & a wonderful lunch we arrived in Key West.

We enjoyed the sunsets, people watching & cool shops for a couple of days and then headed back north.

Family get-together in Naples

2009-05-17T08:56:00.007-05:00

We headed south from Pensacola arriving in Naples FL for Mother's Day. Several folks flew in for the week. (See Pics below) Lots of fun, food (too much), laughing, beach, pool & biking.

The sunset's were just AMAZING.
David & Vicki

Jud (great family friend X-that he's family), Bob, David & Brent (Jen's brothers)

Vicki (sister in-law), well just being Vicki.

The pier in Naples. Loli, Jen, Sylvia (Jen's sister), Woody (Jen's dad), Craig & Karen (Jen's brother & wife) Our hosts for the week.

Matthew & Allison (Craig's great kids)

Navel Air Station Pensacola

2009-05-10T19:41:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time visiting Al & Jane Head in Pensacola as they hosted us at the NAS where they volunteer. After a nice visit to the beach and a wonderful dinner we were on our way to Naples, FL. Enjoy the video.

Trip to Brazos Fellowship

2009-05-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

Prior to departing the valley for the summer I had the privilege of visiting Brazos Fellowship (http://www.brazosfellowship.com)/ and spending time with some really great brothers: Loui Canchola, John Atkinson, Will Lewis, Shawn Parish & Company. The church is located in what was once a movie theater converted to sports bar. These guys have done a great job and it was a joy hearing their story and getting to know them. No doubt the place to be while in College Station.

Introduction to Christ

2009-05-04T18:28:00.001-05:00

Recently received this video from a friend. Very cool and provoking. (And no he isn't Richard Pryor)

Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death"

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Eph 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not as result of works, so that no one may boast."

Romans 10:8-9 "if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

SEEK HIM, He is not far off.

Final Wood shop project

2009-05-02T07:20:00.001-05:00

As we got the motor home ready for the road and closed the house it was also time to finish out at the wood shop. After finishing the Miller table it was time to make Jenny's PEZ cabinet.

Larry helped with the doors and telling when I needed to sand more. All in all it turned out pretty good. Sure learn a lot on each project.

The cabinet holds about 200 PEZ, so now Jenny only has about 1,000 PEZ in storage under the house.

South Texas Fishing

2009-05-01T07:13:00.003-05:00

What a great spring for fishing. As we prepared to depart south Texas and head north to see family and friends it seemed only right to take a pause and head out for a couple of fishing trips. It's always fun to be on the water and every trip is interesting when your out with Larry (Booth). Here's Jenny on Laguna Madre as we were salt water fishing. Also closed the season with a trip to Falcon Lake in Zapata to load the freezer with Catfish.

Dave, Vicki and Jud come to visit

2009-02-28T10:01:00.000-06:00

As you might know David (Jen's brother) and Vicki were wed last year while visiting us here in South Texas. Jud and Jenny stood up for them and it was a wonderful time as they are truly matched souls.

Well they came back a few weeks ago and what a fun time we had. We jumped on the bikes for a trip to South Padre Island. Jud enjoyed Jen's scooter and David trailered the pumpkin down. And of course what would a trip be without a scooter break down? You guessed it, Dave broke a drive belt. The good news was it was under warranty and the local dealer got the job done the same day, saving the trip.

Next it was off to Mexico for a shopping trip to Progresso. The truck looked like Sanford & Son as they headed back north.

Loli, Jen & I had a wonderful time!

The Kids in the Valley

2009-02-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

Our family came down to visit a week ago and it was a great time. Andrew, Tyler, Tracy & TEYA were here for a week away from the cold cold north. When the kids left Chicago it was -13*.

Uncle Andy enjoyed his time in the warm weather with Teya. We were also greeted with the good news that Andy has gotten a full time job with benefits. No doubt a blessing from God in this economy.

While here in the Rio Grand Valley we attended a Killer Bees Hockey Game, got international with a trip to Mexico, Off to the beach at South Padre Island, Fishing & Boat ride on the Rio Grande, Santa Ana Wildlife area & too much more to list. The time flew by & we sure do miss them now.

Here is Papi with Teya at the top of the hawk tower. She is so funny. When the wind blows she sticks out her tongue like Mylo use to do.

Oh yea that is a Mexican fish!

Loli Pop enjoyed her baby sitting and just hanging out. She stayed in our loft and gave her RV to the kids.

Merry CHRISTmas

2008-12-25T12:16:00.003-06:00

God bless you this CHRISTmas 2008!

We have talked with our sons Andy & Tyler today and what a blessing to have two of the greatest son's in the world! Andy will spend the day with the St. Louis Faasens', my brother Jim & Kathy's family. Tyler & Tracy tell us that Teya is now saying Dada. They will spend the day with Tracy's folks Greg & Elizabeth in Chicago. Teya is so cute in the Xmas suit that Barb Horne sent her. Thanks to Elizabeth for the attached picture card.

We have been pleasantly surprised with the arrival of Loli (Jenny's mom) here in south Texas Tuesday. She will spend the next several months with us here living in our RV. Jenny & Loli are now busy in the kitchen with Turkey, taters, pies. etc. Oh boy, almost time to tie on the feed-bag.

Now for the good news. We had a wonderful CHRISTmas eve communion service last night at Cornerstone and then some great food with family and friends.

It's 85* here and I think a nap at the pool this afternoon after some tennis in our future.

May God bless you and yours this season as you welcome Him into your home and heart.

Trip to Falcon Dam

2008-12-10T10:47:00.004-06:00

Yesterday a group from our community (Tip-O-Texas) took a Motor Cycle trip west to Falcon Dam. Our round trip mileage was in the 200 range as we took some very cool back roads on the way out. We crossed the dam into Mexico to Nueva Ciudad Guerrero for lunch at La Fuente's. Very hot (85*+) and sunny all day. A great day riding with no problems!

Jenny crossing Falcon dam with the lake in the back ground.

Salt water fishing at Laguna Madre

2008-12-09T10:29:00.005-06:00

I recently had my first salt water fishing trip to Laguna Madre with my buddy Larry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguna_Madre

This was the maiden voyage of Larry's new salt water boat. We had a fun day and even brought home a few fish. Larry landed the big one which took about 25 minutes to land. Just north of 15lbs. The great thing about salt water is, you NEVER know what you will pull in. I caught a sting ray and Larry caught crabs. (ha,ha)

Cornerstone remodel

2008-12-07T10:00:00.005-06:00

Jenny & I attend a really great church here in the Rio Grande Valley. check us out: http://www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/
Over the past several weeks we have worked hard to take our facility and our relationship with the Lord to the next level. Well, Phase 1 is complete as we head into the CHRISTmas season and a great new series "CHRISTmas in HD".

Thanks to some very talented and hard working people. One aspect of the remodel was adding an arced stage, here are the before and after pictures:

BEFORE

AFTER

Biking Bentsen State Park

2008-12-04T06:52:00.003-06:00

Bentsen State Park is a very cool park right on the Rio Grande River in Misson Texas. We recently had a nice group load up the bikes and after breakfast headed down to tour the park and visit the wildlife. You can check out the park at: http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/

We did see a lot of wildlife including this little friend. Also, the river is very high as Mexico has had floods recently.

OK, I've been busy!

2008-11-23T08:16:00.009-06:00

Since returning to South Texas (McAllen) it has been very busy. (Where does the time go?) Let's catch up:

I headed up our first ever financial seminar at Cornerstone church. We had a great time and the attendance was about 65-70 folks. It was based on Crown Ministry with several practical next steps. We will be starting small groups and counseling in early 09.

Finished the banister and hand rail to our loft. (picture below) Just need to rework a stair tread and finish trim.

Jenny & I have been riding the bicycles as time permits. I completed my first ever time trial, 6.2 miles in 17:27min.

Been fishing with my good buddy Larry several times and had great fun! (Freezer full) Got this cool picture at Falcon Lake.

5. Attended a web design course and made my first ever web site for Larry's fishing guide buddy: southtexasfishingguideservice.com/ Check it out.

Church has been awesome getting reconnected and working with the team. Last week we completed a MAJOR redesign of our worship center taking us to "the next level". Couldn't have done it without my good friend Larry and several others.

Pastor Loui is currently in a prayer series that is REALLY challenging: www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/

We have completed our first Craft Fair luncheon and Jenny did a great job. She has a wonderful team!

Jenny and Kim traveled up and back to Austin in one day to pick up Chiquita (Jenny's lap rat) as Barb is moving to Galveston with FEMA and can't take her.

Thanksgiving week is upon us for some rest and catch up with friends.

Treking back to south Texas...

2008-09-27T07:38:00.004-05:00

We have now been on the road several days heading to the TOT after visiting Jen's mom in Salem Missouri. We visited with the Chapmans in Dallas playing golf and dinner. Then off to Austin for dinner with Barb Horne. Here's Barb's new home on wheels. We had a lot of fun, but had to get out of Austin as the Hog fans invaded. Hookum Horns.
We are in San Antonio with Adam & Cheryl Jones now. Last night after installing a new ceiling fan we had a great dinner prepared by chef Adam. Today it's golf and then off to the valley arriving tonight. Can't wait to get home, see friends and get back to our home church Cornerstone. http://www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/index.php?op=page&cmsid=1

Dave V8 CHOPPER at the Drags

2008-09-19T22:48:00.004-05:00

We had a great time this past Wednesday running Dave's V8 Chopper at Gateway International Speedway. Four runs with some very good times. enjoy!

Vicki & Gato back to Kansas

2008-09-18T20:03:00.001-05:00

Catching Up

2008-09-18T09:58:00.005-05:00

Ramblings from St. Louis
1. Recently a good friend, Ernie Stabler (on the right) of the "Clark Clan" went to be with the Lord. Ernie was a wonderful gentle hearted man who loved the Lord. This picture was taken a few years ago at the Washington Missouri Ham Fest. It will always be a special memory.

2. Saturday Jenny & I attended a very good financial seminar at Grace church here in St. Louis. (where we met the Lord) The leaders were very open and shared some very good stuff.

3. One of Andy's favorite places to hang is the Loop next to Forrest Park here in St. Louis. It's a very "cool" place. We toured there Sunday and had lunch at Blue Berry Hill. (Chuck Berry's Place) They are known to have the best burgers in the Midwest and I can't argue the point.

4. Last night David, Dan & I headed over the river to Gateway International Speedway to run the V8 Chopper in the 1/4 mile. Dave completed 4 runs and a good time was had by all. I hope to have a video uploaded soon. Who doesn't love the smell of fuel, rubber and a LOT of loud motors. Here's a Pic of Dave and Dan discussing what to tune the next run to.

TOT Tennis Camp

2008-09-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

TOT Tennis Camp 2008 - Is in the books!

Our group met in Moline IL Labor Day week at Sunset Lakes Resort. Although our group was a bit smaller than most years the fun was not to be detered.
A wonderful time was had by all. Main events for the week included: Rain day trip to the "Dark Knight" at the IMAX, Tennis, Bike ride, Theatre night, Fish fry, Brat BBQ, Horse races, US Open watching, oh and did I mention food?
To all that attended, if you have more pictures please send them and I will add to the show. See you all at the Tip.

Teya is almost 2 months old

2008-08-27T07:21:00.001-05:00

We were blessed to spend this past week in Chicago with Teya and oh yea, Tyler and Tracy tooo. She has grown so much in the past 6 weeks. She actually spent 2 nights with us in the RV. Loli Pop (Jenny) and I (Pop) had a wonderful time!
Tyler and Tracy camped with us and enjoyed BBQing, camp fires and the out doors generally.

Olympics - Beijing 2008

2008-08-24T07:54:00.001-05:00

Was it just me or were the 2008 Olympics amazing?

While on vacation in Minnesota this August I was glued to the Olympics. (only by the magic of DVR)

Several great things happened:

1. I came up with a new nick name for Jen - Jing Jing.

2. These athletes are truly gifted and commit ed to their sports.

3. The use of drugs are slowly being eliminated.

4. What a blessing it is to live in the USA where honesty, freedom and fairness is expected.

Voyageurs National Park

2008-08-20T08:47:00.005-05:00

Voyageurs National Park on the Minnesota Canadian Boundary Waters - http://www.nps.gov/voya/

We just enjoyed 3 days of fishing and fun with Larry and Joann Booth up in the Boundary waters at Crane Lake, Mn.
The park totals almost a quarter million acres of land and water with over 500 islands and 655 miles of shoreline.
The scenery was just amazing and the fish are really big!

We stayed at a cool little place, the Pine Point Lodge. (http://www.pinepointlodge.com/) With NO TV, phone service or Internet it proved to be very peaceful. The time was also good for the guys concentration on our card game as we traveled home undefeated by the girls. Jenny enjoyed her first visit to Ontario for lunch Eh.

Toad Lake Fishing

2008-08-14T08:16:00.004-05:00

Eagle Feeding at Toad Lake Mn.\

Here's a short video of the eagle we viewed at Toad Lake while fishing. It was an amazing thing to see. Unfortunately I missed the actual pick up by the bird.

At days end we had about 35 nice fish for a planned fish fry at our upcoming tennis week at Moline.

This may not be the eagle I am told.... What do you think? Perhaps an Osprey?

Mississippi Head Waters

2008-08-11T09:51:00.006-05:00

Mississippi river head waters - Itasca State Park
Question - Do you know how long it takes a drop of water to travel from start o the Mississippi (Itasca State Park) to the end (New Orleans)? READ ON

Sunday we packed a picnic lunch and headed off to Itasca State park. The park is about 45 minutes NW of us here in Nevis MN. The park is full of fun things to see and do. This is where the Mississippi river starts from the parks water shed. ://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html

After a bike ride we enjoyed lunch followed by a tour of the park.

Jenny of course had to show off and walk across the river.

A drop takes 3 months to travel the river.

Fishing with the Booths

2008-08-06T09:41:00.006-05:00

The fishing here is great....

After an early start we hit Toad Lake with a vengeance. Taking on all types of fish. We viewed several birds feeding on the lake. The highlight was a bald eagle swooping down from about 200 feet to scope up a small fish just in front of us. At the conclusion of the day it was Booth boat 35 and lake zero. Also, for honorable mention Jenny landed a nice bass.

Nevis Minn

2008-08-03T14:50:00.005-05:00

Nevis Minn - Friday we arrived in Nevis, Minn. This is truly a beautiful part of God's creation full of lakes, trees, and animals. We have already played tennis & cards, been fishing, rode bikes, went to church and attended the Dorset festival. Great food and much to see.
We are staying at http://www.belleshoresresort.com/ The Booth's are just 100 yards down the road and it is such fun to reconnect with them. The resort is peaceful with a sand beach and much to do. I am off for a swim and to get the tackle ready for fishing tomorrow at 5:00am. (you know Larry)

God bless,

Motor Home Stuck at Corey's

2008-07-30T14:41:00.004-05:00

Departed Iowa after a great visit with Corey & Kim Sawatzky, but not with out some challenges.

So while Corey was traveling I took the opportunity to place several ruts in his front yard while heading out for Omaha. His neighbor Derrick was kind enough to pull me out with his 2 ton logging truck.

We then had a blow out on the truck we we towing but made it to Omaha all the same. After 2 days of golf and fun with the Cuda's we were off to Nevis, Minn.

RAGBRAI 2008 in the books

2008-07-28T18:55:00.008-05:00

Yes, I did complete the 2008 bicycle ride across Iowa.

Stats:

484 miles and my first century ride. See route: http://www.ragbrai.org/

Brats, corn, pieces of pie, pork chops, rib eyes and ice creams eaten - a lot.

Yes, there was an Elvis sighting somewhere in central Iowa. The folks of Iowa did their self's proud. The towns we visited and stayed in were friendly and very accommodating.
At the mid point in Ames we were treated to a great concert by Styx and they played all of the hits. Lance Armstrong spoke to the crowd of 20,000 and all of the proceeds went for flood relief in Iowa.
The first several days were very hot with elevation climbs from 3,000 to 5,000 feet daily. We finished the week with two pretty easy days of 63 and 53 miles which were relatively flat. We had the joy of spending time with Sandy Miller and her daughter Bridgett. (In the picture below) Also, check out the photo album link to the right.

2008-07-22T14:09:00.003-05:00

RAGBRAI 2008

Well made it to Iowa for the RAGBRAI annual bicycle ride across IOWA. The ride will total 471 miles. Day 1 & 2 was filed with hills a lot of elevation. Day 2 was also my first century ride of 100 miles. Today, day 3 we ended up in Ames and are camping at the university. Off for some Mexican food and the STYX concert tonight. I will post a photo album later in the week. And yes Elvis has left the building, but not Coon Rapids, IOWA!

2008-07-18T14:18:00.000-05:00

Good by - Chicago

We had a wonderful time in Chicago with Tyler, Tracy, Teya and family. We ended our time with a great BBQ out at the RV park we stayed at.

2008-07-14T11:33:00.002-05:00

Hello to all,

We had a great weekend. We attended church at HBC Elgin. The worship was live and the message was a simulcast by James MacDonald on "Are you saved?" from the Arlington Heights location. Great message with an interesting format. http://www.harvestbible.org/Content.aspx?content_id=40&site_id=4

This was a first for Jenny & I. Then off to golf with with old friends, Sue and Adrian.

We concluded the day going out for Pizza with Teya and the group.

2008-07-12T17:50:00.002-05:00

TEYA is in the middle of her first Saturday.

Grandma is baby sitting while Tracy grabs a nap. I'm at the local coffee shop bringing you this post as we don't have Internet at our park location. Teya had her followup doctors appointment yesterday and all is well. The doctor is within walking of their home and they loved her.

You can check out the photo album that is hot off the press with all of Teya's pictures.

2008-07-11T14:35:00.002-05:00

It's been RAIN, RAIN & more RAIN here in Chicago. We have fit in a few bicycle rides in between drops. See the evening sunset here below. We are staying at a very nice Forrest Preserve (Paul Wollf) in Kane County just outside of Chicago. We are about 20 miles from the kids.

Funny thing we ran into a couple from TOT (our winter home in Pharr, Greg & Bonnie) at this park. What are the odds?

2008-07-09T11:59:00.000-05:00

Teya Day 2

We just arrived at the hospital this morning. Tracy and Teya are awaiting the Pediatrician for release orders and home we head. Mom is doing well and other than some jaundice in her eyes

Teya is doing very well.

2008-07-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

One of Teya's first good crys.

2008-07-07T19:14:00.000-05:00

Teya has Arrived

Jenny and I departed St. Louis for Chicago early Monday morning upon the news that Tracy was on her way to the hospital to deliver Teya. (All of the grand parents first) We had about 300 miles to drive and arrived prior to the birth. What a blessing for us, but not Tracy. She did great and worked very hard to bring our little bundle into the world.
Teya Elizabeth Faasen was born on July 7, 2008 at Northwest Memorial Hospital in Arlington Heights Illinois. Parents Tracy and Tyler along with Teya are all doing very well. Tracey went into the hospital around 8:30am yesterday and Teya was born at 5:14pm. Teya weighed in at 8lbs,13oz and is 21” long. She is just beautiful and has some very good lungs.

2008-07-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

Visit with Steven and Kara

Saturdays are made for traditions so we made a breakfast stop at the local Waffle House. Then after a visit with Mr and Mrs F. Albert we headed down to the Tower Grove area of St. Louis for a visit.

Woody (Dad) was there helping with some remodeling on their new home.

Steven and Kara in there very cool living room.

2008-06-28T10:50:00.000-05:00

After a nice BBQ Allie showed us how to rock!

2008-06-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

Jen is on new wheels

We arrived in St. Louis and one of our first tasks was to pick up Jen's new set of wheels. It is fitted perfectly and she says it's her "magic bike" and she is as fast as Forest Gump. We are riding often here in the St. Louis area.

2008-06-01T11:16:00.000-05:00

We traveled to Chicago for baby Teya's (99% sure of name) shower. It was a great time. We took Loli (Jen's mom) & Andy with us and hung out with the kids for a few days.

Tyler & Tracy arrive at the shower. A large crowd as Tracy's mom is one of 10 kids. It was great to meet everyone and we had a wonderful time..

Jenny (Ty's mom) & Elizabeth (Tracy's mom)
Party on ladies!

Tracy has a good laugh.........

Three generations

2008-05-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

New carport added at TOT - Just prior to heading north for the summer we had a carport added. It will be great for working on the bikes and BBQs.

2008-05-09T09:46:00.000-05:00

Will "Pop" J. Clark went to be with the Lord May 8, 2008. Pop spent the last 2 years at the Veterans home in St. James Missouri. He was buried there with Military honors. Friends & family gathered from around the country to celebrate Will's life.