Comments on:

By: Paul Fitzgerald

Paul Fitzgerald — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:59:54 +0000

Katie,
I so enjoyed your story about your Grandpa. I was fortunate to meet him when I was doing tax work in Garner before we moved to Forest City. I will always remember his soft friendly style. He was always so proud of his family. I am excited to hear about your continued efforts in Africa. They are so fortunate to have you there to help them.
Keep up the good work,
Paul Fitzgerald

By: katie

katie — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:28:36 +0000

I laughed out loud thinking about Rhinelander…

I also really enjoyed the Grease record we’d play on the record player in the basement and dance around to Grease Lightning…I wonder if there are embarrassing pictures anywhere, hmmmm….

By: deb potter

deb potter — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:19:13 +0000

Oh Katie – how I laughed and cried when I read your blog today! What happy memories! Whenever Betsy, Lindsey and I are together and talk about their childhood, Christmas eve and family reunion stories always make us laugh.

Remember the Rhinelander cabin – you and Betsy cleaning up the bathroom mess, and Erik blaming Lindsey – and she was with us! Or all those marathon ping pong games in the basement – everyone would get so sweaty, come upstairs for a glass of 7up and a cookie, and go right back down again!

Grandma and Grandpa Tjarks always loved having the grandchildren stay with them. They really enjoyed spending time with all of you, playing games, going uptown or sewing.

They are so proud of you, Katie – I know they miss you and can’t wait to see you again.
Thanks for the posting. I know your Mom is going to give Grandma a copy – her and Grandpa will love it!

Love, Aunt Deb

By: alece

alece — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:55:35 +0000

this was so great! i loved it!

By: Beth Tjarks

Beth Tjarks — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:36:34 +0000

Hi Katie,
Yes, I remember when Grandpa spilled wax on his
pants and you couldn’t stop laughing and yes that
wasn’t to long ago. But it is nice to have memories was reminded last night at Christian
Women’s Club that those memories no one can take
away from us. Mom

By: katie

katie — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:57:56 +0000

Awww…I know, they would always go along with our silly games! And for the record, I think Betsy and I spent a majority of our childhood fighting for you and Amy’s attention–and confession, did you know that my cabbage patch dolls were named after you guys?

By: Dan Reeves

Dan Reeves — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:34:01 +0000

Hey Katie! I enjoyed reading your memories of Grandma and Grandpa. I think we had similar personalities when we were little, because I would also do a lot of role-playing with Grandma and Grandpa and they always went along with it. I laughed for a long time picturing Grandpa trying to make the dog next door bark. That is so funny! Thanks for sharing Love,Sarah