Gone Home

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"Miss Gin"

July 25, 1914- August 31, 2006

I’ve gone home to see my Father,

I’ve gone home, so don’t you cry.
I’ll be waiting for you in Heaven,

In my mansion prepared on high.
No more sickness, no more sorrow,

No more pain, and no more grief.
I’ve gone home to be with Jesus.
Though my sojourn here was brief.
I’ve gone home to live in Heaven
With all the blessed saints of old,
Here with Abraham and David
To stroll through streets of gold.
But there’s something else more beautiful,
So precious, beyond this crystal sea,
As I wander through realms of glory
I find my Savior walks with me.
I’ve gone home to be in Heaven
Where there’s no sadness, and no night.
There is joy and peace unending,
In this blissful land of light.
I’ve gone home to be in Heaven,
Though you miss me, and tears abound,
Just keep believing in God’s promises,
And listening for that trumpet sound.
Because one day in God’s timing
When the Lord calls out your name
Look to the skies in awe and wonder -
We’ll see each other again.

Finally a Family of Four!

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We are so excited. We have waited a LONG time for Jennifer to become a permenant and legal part of our family. Finally, it has happened.

Jen started at Ladue High School last Friday and is adjusting well. She and Bekah are closer than ever before, and have even opted to share a room! They are great friends, and even though they are cousins, they are more like sisters. YOU SHOULD HEAR THEM ARGUE! :)

I could go on and on about both of our girls, but I think that I will just say how much we love them and how proud we are of them both!



They are a couple of great kids, and we are blessed to have them both! God is so good!
As you can see, they are a couple of crazy girls- but we wouldn't have them any other way.

WE LOVE YOU BOTH!

Opinions Please?

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Tomorrow is another audition day for Bekah. She has her song selected, her jazz shoes ready, and her acting resume is polished and ready to go! Now, all she has to decide on is a picture for the director. She can't decide which one she likes best, so we thought it would be fun to put them out here and let the whole blogging world vote.

Please tell us which picture you like best!

This is cool...

Okay, call me weird. I think that this is so cool. On Monday, we started shut-down at our YMCA location. Basically, all that means is that we are still open to our members and guests, but we take these 2 weeks each year to clean and make repairs in our branch.

The pictures on this post are of our pool. It is 13 feet deep at it's deepest point. Anyway, each year the pool is drained and is cleaned and repairs are made if needed. Rumor has it that a great time is had by staff members during shut down once we start refilling the pool. The plan is this: While the pool is still closed to members, we will begin the refilling process. This is a long process, as I am sure you can imagine! IT IS A BIG POOL! Well, once there is about 2 inches of water in the shallow end (which would mean there would be about 8 feet in the deep end), we will take turns running through the few inches of water in the shallow end and sliding into the deep end. If you are having a hard time picturing it, think of sliding into second base and winding up on a water slide! Some have even thought of having a staff contest for best form, fastest run, etc. I LOVE MY JOB!

As you can see from the pictures, we aren't quite ready for our little pool party! If we can get all of the details worked out...including approval from the "powers that be" I will post pictures!

Don't worry honey and girls... NO DIVING FOR ME!

Happy Birthday!

This picture is of Jennifer at a recent youth group event. I know that this may come as a surprise to many of you, but Jennifer was acting crazy (SHOCKER!), and she got caught on film.

Today is Jen's 17th birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JENNIFER....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

We love you!

Stupidist Quote EVER!

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Okay, GET THIS.

"A recent US News and World Report study shows that 3 out of every 4 people make up 75% of the population."

DUH!

Has anyone ever heard of a proof-reader or an editor?

Anyone else know of any stupid quotes?

It's Only a Penny

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When my grandmother died, she left her extensive coin collection to her grandchildren. It has taken almost 2 full years to go through them all and divide them between the 10 of us. It was a lot of work, and it was very emotional for me. It was really cool to remember all of the times that Grandma and I sat at the kitchen table filling coin books. Those are good memories for me.

Well, anyway, after lots of sorting and cataloging, it was time to take some of the coins to the coin dealer to find out what they were worth. The dealer opened all of the coins and made offers. We saved the sets for last, thinking that they may be worth more. The time came for him to review a complete book of pennies. He opened the book, and his jaw dropped. He said, "No, surely it can't be." He got out his little magnifying glass and examined the coin. The more he looked, the more excited we got. Then he excused himself for a minute to use the phone. Later, we found out that he was making a call to another coin expert in the area. Ten minutes later, the coin expert came into the store. Upon his examination, we learned that we did in fact have a very rare and exciting coin.

It was announced to us that we had a 1909 S VDB penny in our book. He offered us 450.00 for it! Can you imagine? $450.00 for ONE penny? There were several other pennies of great worth in our book. They ranged in price from about $4.00- to $450.00. We sold the penny book for $700.00. Wow, who knew that pennies could be worth so much?

I wanted to share my exciting news with you all! I was also going to share with you about our 1916 D Mercury Dime, but I didn't want to bore you too much.

So friends, clean out your car, look under the cushions of the couch, and in all your pockets. The loose change that you find may be worth a lot more than you think,... and if it isn't, you can always send it to CFS for the Timothy Campaign! (It is never too late!)

Horror Film

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This is pretty funny. What would YOUR personal

horror movie look like?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JASON!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I LOVE YOU!

Celebrating 20 Years of Blessings

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It was a hot summer day. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, it was the hottest day that summer in St. Louis. It was August 14, 1986, and I was only 16 years old. I loved summer, and swimming was one of my favorite things to do.

I was spending the day with my best friend Shelia at a private pool when my life changed forever. I was a great swimmer. I had taken several years of swimming lessons from our local YMCA when I was a child. Shelia was also a good swimmer, and had taken lessons from the YMCA. In spite of what we had been taught, a terrible accident happened that day.

I dove into the pool, and struck my head on the bottom. I immediately floated up to the top. I was face down, and I was unable to move. I was very afraid, and I knew that something had gone terribly wrong. I remember thinking, “I am going to drown.” I remember seeing the air bubbles float up around me as Shelia jumped into the pool. As she turned me over, she said, “Dead man’s float is not funny.” I labored for a breath, and said, “I am not kidding; I am really hurt.”

Remembering what she had learned about water safety at the YMCA and her High School Health class, she began to question me. It didn’t take us long to figure out that while I was very aware of who I was and what was happening, I had been paralyzed by the blow that I took as I struck my head on the bottom of the pool.

Shelia held me very still. She screamed for help, but no one came. I tried to scream, but breathing alone was a difficult task for me. We knew that we had a very difficult decision to make. Since I was unable to move, Shelia couldn’t leave me in the water to go get help. If she didn’t go get help, who knows what would have happened. The longer we waited, the more afraid I became. Finally, I said, “Shelia, get me out of this pool before I die.”

Remembering a technique that she had learned in a class, Shelia grabbed a raft, pushed it under the water beneath me and allowed it to hold my weight. Even though some movement was inevitable, she was able to provide a great deal of stability to my neck, and I was no longer floating in the water.

The ambulance came, and I was taken to a local hospital. I later learned that my mother had been called and told that if she wanted to say good-bye to her daughter, that she had better hurry. The doctors believed that I would die within the hour.

Twenty-years, 3 surgeries, years of physical and occupational therapy, and the grace of God have brought me to where I am today. I believe with all of my heart that it is because of the skills that we learned at the YMCA so many years ago that I am now a fully functioning adult. Things could have turned out so differently if we had not had the training that we were lucky enough to have.

Today, I am a wife and a mother. I am active in the community and in my church. I walk, talk, and feed and bathe myself. I am basically pain free, and I and lead a normal life. I was told that even if I did live, I would never do any of these things.

First and foremost, I credit God with my recovery. It was the strength, courage, and desire that He gave me that ultimately got me through this tragedy. A broken neck is bad, no matter how you look at it but I credit the YMCA with keeping my injuries to a minimum by teaching us water safety skills in our swim classes.

As I lead a normal life now, I am so thankful that I have been given the amazing opportunity to be part of the team of employees at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis that helps to keep kids safe. I am so thankful to be part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. I know that the Y sure made a huge difference in mine. Sometimes it amazes me how things can come full circle in our lives.

I have much to celebrate and be thankful for on this unexpected 20th anniversary.

Another Great Day!

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Today has been a great day. We started the day with a wonderful worship service. Jimmy did an awesome job and the song service was great. I love singing with the praise team. Anyway, then we came home, had lunch and hung around the house. We finished cataloging Grandma’s coins, and then we had dinner with great friends at J Bucks. Now we are at home, I am writing and Jason is watching football, and the girls are spending the night with Nici and Allie. I am very tired tonight, and will turn in soon.

Tomorrow is a special day for me. I will celebrate 20 years of a major blessing tomorrow. Please come back tomorrow to read more about it.

What did you do today?

L-A-Z-Y!

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Okay, I have no problem admitting it.... I have decided to be lazy tonight! It has been a busy week at work! I have had plenty to do, which is a great change from my previous job! I love being busy, but I also love to relax once in a while too.

Tonight is like any girl's dream... I am sitting in front of the TV, watching "What Not to Wear," drinking Diet Coke, talking with my family, and playing this VERY addictive game!

http://www.hurtwood.demon.co.uk/Fun/copter.swf

What about you? What are you doing tonight?
I am being LAZY!

In the Year 2029...

We've just come in from church, and have settled down with a glass of wine and are watching the Cardinals face off against the Reds. Before I turn in for the night, I thought that I would take a minute to share a funny (and scary) email that I received from a good friend today. Can you think of any other headlines for 2029.

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR 2029:
Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California. White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally. Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the AmericanTerritory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iraq,Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica.

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.

Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Florida voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Too Funny Not to Share!

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This is just too funny to keep to myself!


A Priest, a Pentecostal preacher, and a Rabbi, all served as chaplains to the students of Northern Michigan University in Marquette. They would get together two or three times a week for coffee and to talk shop. One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it. Seven days later, they're all together to discuss the experience.

Father Flannery, who has his arm in a sling, is on crutches, and has various bandages, goes first. "Well," he says, "I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when Ifound him I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle as a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation."

Reverend Billy Bob spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, with an arm and both legs in casts, and an IV drip. In his best fire and brimstone oratory he claimed, "WELL brothers, you KNOW that we don't sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from God's HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UPanother and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quick DUNKED him and BAPTIZED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the day praising Jesus."

They both looked down at the Rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed, in a body cast and traction, with IV's and monitors running in and out of him. He was in bad shape.
The Rabbi looks up and says, "Looking back on it, circumcision may nothave been the best way to start....."

Way Back on Broadway!

Wow! After weeks of rehearsal and 4 nights of performances, Way Back on Broadway has come to a close. Bekah had a great time in this show and made lots of new friends. Here is a picture of her with her friend Jonathan. Bekah made us very proud during her performances in this show. I mean don't get me wrong, we are always proud of her, but she impressed us in this show by her acting, singing and dancing skills, as well as her ability to relate well to the rest of the cast. Bekah was the youngest in the show...by almost a full 3 years! You would have never known it- she was a star!
Bekah played the lead role from Gypsy as Baby June... and did a FABULOUS job. I don't think she should die her hair blonde anytime soon though.... what do you think?

She also played the lead role from ANNIE. Umm..... once again, GREAT VOCALS.... but I am not supporting a new curly red hairdo for our girl!

WAY BACK ON BROADWAY was a great show, and while I am glad that it is over in a lot of ways, I will miss parts of it too. Jason, Jennifer and I ran concessions, and I handled the "ticket office." It was great to be able to support Bekah and her show. It was a great success.

A special thanks to all who came to see Bekah too! It meant a lot to her.... and to us.

If you'd like to read more about the play, and get someone else's opinion besides a very proud stage mother's.... check out www.entritschler.blogspot.com

We will keep you posted about Bekah's upcoming performances- she is already talking about the next auditions (August 30).

I Love You

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Tonight Bob N. taught class at church. His topic was "love" and he did a great job. He asked this question... "When you tell your wife that you love her, what does that mean?" So, I thought this was a good place to open up a forum for people to discuss what it means when we say, "I love you" to our spouse or significant other?

(Note, this question is open to both men and women.)

"I'm Hot"

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One of the aspects of my job is meeting with board members and donors. Basically the meetings occur simply to provide an opportunity for me to tell them how much they are appreciated, face to face. Today was full of donor meetings.

As I drove to one of my meetings, I enjoyed being alone in my car, listening to my CDs and enjoying the air conditioner blasting on high. I also enjoyed the large iced tea that was sitting next to me in the convenient cup holder and the security I felt knowing that my cell phone was fully charged if I should find myself in need of any kind of help. I was also thinking about how wonderful it was to have a company Visa card that paid for the gas that was required to get me from one place to another, and for the lunches that I have with donors on days like these. In spite of the 102 temperature outside, I was calm, cool, and very comfortable as I visited with my new friends.

One of the visits I had to make was down near Busch Stadium, just off of Locust Street. I made my visit and headed back West, toward the office. As I stopped at a red light, my attention was drawn to a park located just to my left. I couldn’t help but notice the small groups of people who were gathered. It didn’t take me long to figure out that these small groups were families. There were children running around and playing, and adults propped up against trees engaged in conversation. I thought to myself, “What are they, nuts? It is 100 degrees outside and the heat index is 110!”

I felt a sense of guilt and shame when I noticed that the families in this park were sitting on suitcases, and had sleeping bags and garbage bags full of their belongings close to their sides. There I was enjoying the air conditioning and the iced tea, in my comfortable car, with gas that was paid for by someone else, and the park before me was full of homeless people.

I would love to tell you that I circled the block and went back and gave them the money that I had just withdrawn from the bank, but I didn’t. I would love to tell you that I stopped and gave them my card from the YMCA and offered them a ride to our cooling center…but I didn’t. I would love to tell you that I told them all about Jesus and His love, but I didn’t. I would love to tell you that I told them all about our food panty at McKnight, but I didn’t. I whispered a little prayer for them and drove on.

I got back to the office, and everyone was talking about how hot it was outside. People were a bit on the crabby side because they were “so hot.” All I could do was think about those families in the park. They have no place to go for respite. They have no freezer to make ice, they have no money to buy ice cream when the truck goes by, and they have no home to go to just to get away from the sun beating down on them. They have no place to go.

To be honest, I don’t know what I would do differently if I encountered the same situation tomorrow. I have to remember that safety is important too. But I will tell you this, what I saw today changed my attitude about “being hot” and “being comfortable.”

That is why I chose to share this with you- I hope it makes you think about things just a little bit differently too.

If you are sitting in front of your computer, in the comfort of your own home, in the air conditioning, YOU ARE INCREDIBLY BLESSED, AND INCREDIBLY WEALTHY.

It is my prayer that each of us will count our blessings today, and figure out some way to give back to those in need.