Christmas at the Tusken's

Our Christmas was quite blessed - the boys finally have the hang of ripping wrapping paper off of the presents! The enjoyed each new toy and Zakkar was even surprised and happy with the clothes he received. I really enjoyed watching the karaoke videos of you crazy Bergers! You guys are nuts - I'm sorry I couldn't be there and be crazy with you ;D

The last picture is of me standing next to some of the snow we shoveled off of the driveway. Christmas night, we had 12 inches of snow fall for a very snowy day!! We had just finished shoveling the driveway from the last few snowfalls on Tuesday. Well, Tim did the sidewalk, front walkway and half of the driveway. Then I suited up the boys and Tim took them ice skating across the street at our park and I finished shoveling the driveway. WOW! That's a great way to get some exercise in the winter when it's too snowy and icy - not to mention COLD - to jog. You can see in the picture how big our piles of snow were. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here comes 2009!!

Holiday Togetherness

The Bergers had a great time Christmas Day sharing tales, opening presents, eating and the new tradition - singing karaoke! Yep. Good thing I have no video attached to my camera - you may never turn to this blog again!

Hope all had a wonderful family time - post some photos of your Christmas to share!

To all, a very healthy and prosperous New Year!

A blessed Christmas

Family Joys

Christmas is filled with special joys,
And the very best of all
Is contemplating those dear to us,
And the memories we recall.

We often think at Christmas time
Of people, affectionately,
And we realize how blessed we are
To have you as part of our family.

So as we enjoy the festivities all
together, away from the busy mall,
Please remember that baby Jesus is the true reason
For this very blessed holy season.

A very blessed Christmas to all!

Happy Holidays

The weather outside is frightful, but the family is so delightful! Pardon my take on the holiday "Let it Snow" song. But we Bergers/DuMounds up north enjoyed a nice gathering on Thanksgiving Day. And here it is December with Christmas rounding first and heading toward a rather interesting holiday season.

Congrats to Stephanie, Gerry, Bernie, Tracy & Logan, David & Michelle, Michelle, Ellen, Jenny, Ellen & Paul and Roberta who celebrated their birthdays' and/or anniversaries in October and November. Promise this blogger will keep better tabs on the family from now on!

Hope all are well. To all, have a very blessed and thankful Christmas season.

And for some holiday music, check out this site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Mushrooms

Well, family, I must tell you all that after vehemently opposing the consumption of mushrooms from an early age... I am loving to eat them cooked or raw! (NO, I am NOT pregnant!!) For the last 5 years or so I have not picked them off of my pizza. Much more recently I have been actually desiring to consume RAW mushrooms with ranch dressing.

What in the world has happened to my taste buds? I like carrots, broccoli, MUSHROOMS - raw or cooked. I guess this is yet another instance of my parents being right: I will grow to like veggies. I just cannot believe that I have been craving to eat the squishy, dry fungus colony. I am sure you can all remember me turning my nose up to mushrooms... but another day has dawned! :S I have become weird like the rest of the adults ;D

I have thought of many family times this weekend because I made spinach dip with cut up vegetables. When I took my first bite of broccoli lavishly doused in spinach dip, I was propelled for a moment to Grandma & Grandpa's basement for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Sweet memories. :D It is so interesting that a smell or a taste can be so deeply associated in our brains with a location or a time. God makes us so complex!

Jessie & Justin's Wedding & photos link

Hi family. Just a big thank you for all who were able to attend the ceremony and wedding. We were not only blessed with a gorgeous day but with such wonderful and thoughtful family members. God bless to all of you!

Go to http://www.pictage.com/client/event.do?event=573102 for the photos

Our newest addition

We are so blessed to have little Samuel here!

His two big sisters have been very sweet and loving!

Welcome - Samuel Lawrence Wolnik

Proud Parents are Joyce and Larry Wolnik. Samuel was born this morning at 10:41 a.m. central time. Samuel checked in at 6 lbs and 7 ounces. Everyone is doing fine, according to Larry.

This week's birthdays!

A very happy birthday to Joyce and Roberta, whose birthdays were this week. Joyce celebrated hers Tuesday and Roberta, today - Friday! Hope this next year for both brings great memories and joy.

Happy birthday, Joyce & Roberta!

Mary Kay Singing???

Yesterday, Sept. 27th, Pete Best, the original drummer with the Beatles, was giving a concert in What Cheer. I tell you, those Brits are really charmers. The way they said my name was so KEWL!!! It was a fantastic show and I am singing "Twist and Shout" with one of the guys (Paul). Thought you might enjoy this!!!

HI BERGERS

Just a BIG HI to all of you from beautiful Iowa - I took this picture just before a storm and it was so yellow/orange out - just beautiful!!!!

The Three Amigos

Chip and Ross left Hurricane Ike & its winds behind and enjoyed more than a week together in LA & Las Vegas. And they are still cousins - and friends.

They met Ross in San Diego as did Roy & Debbie - a chance meeting at a gas station, no less. They also spent (other than money) time with the Las Vegas Bergers quite often.

Nice to see cousins enjoying their family ties and friendship. Great tribute to Mom & Dad, as well.

Ike's northern effects

You southerners can keep your hurricanes and their winds! Ike blew across northeastern Ohio with winds measured at 71 mph here in Lorain County. Several people were killed, mostly by falling trees and branches. I was driving at 6:10 p.m. last night just as the storm began and some branches already were scattered across the roads.

Many homes are without electricity and schools are closed today. We lost our cable for several hours last night. So no TV - which was a good thing considering the Browns were on prime time - AND playing Pittsburgh.

Hope all is well and we're blessed with much better weather across the nation!

Paul's Dad's passing

Hi,
Paul's Dad passed away yesterday morning. He was 62.

Viewing is from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Blackstone Funeral Home, 672 Churchill Rd, Girard, OH‎ - (330) 539-5955

Paul's mother's address is:
Kris Speck
1029 Park Circle
Girard, OH 44420

Paul and Ellen, our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

God bless.

Paul's Father

Hi everyone,

Paul's Dad is in the hospital. He's in intensive care. He had a second occurrence of pneumonia. He recently had his gall bladder removed while there and is having help breathing. His kidneys are also having difficulty.

He is in Northside Hospital in Youngstown. Paul, Ellen and the girls have traveled there often in the last week. Cards may be sent to: Dave Speck, Northside Hospital, 500 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504. Phone number is (330) 747-1444.

I assured them his Dad, as well as his Mom, will be in our prayers.
- Joanne

Labor Day Cleveland Air Show

Jessie, Justin, Bob and I met at Wendy Park at Whiskey Island to view the air show along Edgewater's edge. The jets - and the pilots - were amazing. They went right over us and some were so loud it seemed your heart stopped! Such precision! Have the utmost respect for any pilot.

Hertzel Reunion 08

The Hertzel reunion was Saturday in Spencer.

This photo includes those who are direct descendents of the Hertzels - William and Henrietta who built the W. 44th St. house. They are top left, Richard (Dick) and William. Forgot the girl's name in the middle left. Then Carol Ehrbar, myself, Helen Newport and Terri Hertzell.

Dick and Terri are father/daughter. Dick's son Kent, who was unable to attend, is the one who contacted me a few months ago about their possibly being related to us. They have no history of the Hertzel's although their name is "Hertzell."

Dick is the son of Adelbert, whose father was Albert, Grandpa Frank's brother who was 2 years old than he. Dick, wife Justine and Terri live in Michigan. Kent & his family live in Illinois. Carol gave them a lot of information. Albert lived on Brinsmade - remember Aunt Annie was Grandpa's sister. Albert died from an assault when Carol was about 5 years old. She remembers the incident. So she was able to fill in some blanks. The Michigan Hertzell's aren't sure when that extra "L" was added.

Maybe other "Hertzels" can attend next year's reunion. We only spent a few hours there but I really enjoyed seeing so many "Hertzel" name tags!

Wedding Info

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to let everyone know the directions to places.

St. Mary's of the Falls address: 25615 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138

Reception is at the Annunciation Party Center, 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

The hotel we arranged is Holiday Inn Lakeside, 1111 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 (216) 241-5100. Reserve by Sept. 10 for our special rate. It's less than 10 minutes from the hall.

If you have any questions let me know! I look forward to seeing everyone!

Jessie

Shower shots

Thanks to all who attended Jessie's shower. She received some beautiful gifts. Your generosity is so much appreciated. We can't wait to see all the family at Jessie and Justin's Oct. 11 wedding. Those who cannot attend will be in our prayers and thoughts that day.

Jessie's Engagement Pictures

http://www.pictage.com/524609
Here is the link to the website with pictures from the engagement session. The pictures are at Whiskey Island, which is next to Edgewater.

August 15th

The Miracle

There is a majestic quality
In everyone for all to see.
Some keep it hidden, some never realize
The magnificence they hold in others' eyes.

Ah, yes, life itself is the gift.
Though the memory, itself, Time doth sift.
And some might think the reverence gone
As those we love one by one pass on.

But the intricacies Fate doth weave,
In commemoration for all who grieve.
Are the blessings given to rebirth-
From souls no longer of this earth.

At first notice I came undone,
My father staring at me through my son.
But, now, in joy I ascertain
Through him, my father lives again.

I look to heavens' resounding grace-
Renewed appreciation of life and my place.
Knowing as each newborn child opens their eyes,
The miracle continues, no one really dies.

Happy Birthday!

A very happy birthday today to Cheryl who is 28 today! Have a wonderful day, Cheryl, doing something you really enjoy! May your day be filled with family, laughter and some Montana summer sun.

Happy birthday!

Sophia's reunion 2008

Mark ,Tiffany, Matt and I had the joy of being a part of a wonderful weekend at the Girtz Family Reunion. Here is a picture of four generations of the Girtz Family. This isn't the clearest picture, however Sophia's mom is sitting by the empty chair in the middle of the white shirts, we are with the red shirts on the right side near the table you see and Matt and Tiffany are on the ramp with the blue shirts! They were close to 500 people at this reunion.

Happy Birthday Aunt Dorothy

A very happy day to Aunt Dorothy who is 93 years young today! For the older family members, she's our only living aunt. May the years be good to you, Aunt Dorothy, and you remain positive with a healthy spirit.

Happy Birthday

A very happy day to my Bob today. Dear, may your special day be filled with happiness, remembering great memories and an evening making new ones.

Have a great day!

Aunt Dorothy's 93rd Birthday Party

Jeanne and Brian had a small birthday party today for Aunt Dorothy who will be 93 on Aug. 5. She looked really well and was surprised - and happy - with the party. She's still at the nursing home. She is doing well, although has trouble blending words well into a sentence.

Grandma's purple fingertips

Not sure how many of you remember Grandma Hertzel's trips to the Hinckley farm where she's change into her pants and go elderberry picking. Well, I did my own trip today. About 3 years ago Aunt Dorothy gave Mom two elderberry bushes to give us. I've been wanting some but could never find them.

Well, today I made my first elderberry pie from those bushes! And, although my finger tips weren't as purple as Grandma's, they had some blue on them. I sure didn't pick as many as she did. But the bushes are still full with lots more. I should have left them on for another day or so but, heck, it's Saturday and I wanted to make a pie.

And Bob said it tasted good. So, thanks Grandma and Mom for helping me through this adventure!

Okay, anyone want another piece?

Happy Birthday, Glenn

A very happy day to Glenn today who is finishing the work week with a birthday.

May you enjoy a wonderful dinner, a very sweet dessert tonight and only a few numbers to crunch while at work.

Happy birthday, Glenn!

Busy July

Well July sure was a busy month with all the birthdays. Sophia and I want to wish all a belated Happy Birthday! Hope everyone enjoyed their days !!

Happy Day!

A very happy birthday to Dave, the first Berger Texan along with wife Michelle - and now 3 kids!

Dave, we uncles and aunts can recall all too vividly your younger days! Actually, they bring back some great memories. Birthdays, Berger get toghers, Grandma and Grandpa Berger watching you and your siblings over a weekend, sledding, helping one aunt shift gears in her car and those basketball games.

Let's hope "Dolly" doesn't hit your area too hard today so you can enjoy a sunny day of family, fun and making your own special memories.

Photo to come later.

Another 30!

It's Tracy's birthday today, Ken & Bernie's oldest! May your day include a scrumptious cake, great weather and a good ride on your favorite horse! Happy Birthday!

He's 21!

Kevin, Gerry and Debbie's oldest, has a birthday today - and he's 21! A very happy birthday to the Bowling Green senior who's doing his internship with the Cleveland Indians this summer.

Have a great day, Kevin. And have a sip of wine with that cake tonight!

Happy Birthday

The number 30 was a popular one this week! Tim Tusken, Cheryl's husband, was 30 on Tuesday and Logan Browne, Tracy's husband is 30 today! So the sisters enjoyed some celebrations - maybe not together in person, but in spirit.

Enjoy your new decade guys. It's really not that bad!

If you ever get a chance to go to Alaska... GO! I took Joey with me to see one of my best friends after having her first baby. The picture below is Mendenhall Glacier - you just drive 5 minutes from downtown Juneau and land at its footsteps. To see all the pictures from my trip, go to:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ctusken/VisitToAlaska
http://picasaweb.google.com/ctusken/AlaskaTrip

You have to go to both links to see them all!

Independence Day

Happy July 4th to all! May your day start with a bang and and continue to fire up til dawn's early light!

College Grad!

Congratulations to Joey, Roy & Debbie's oldest, who graduated from the University of Reno this month! Joey will be teaching individual lessons for freshmen & sophomores at Reno. He's also teaching at students' homes, as well as his performing in gigs in Tahoe, Truckee (The Joey Berger Trio), Carson City at a Cigar Bar, weddings, grand openings and jazz across Reno. He'll begin his Masters in a year, after some time off. Aahhh, all sweet music to a family's ear!

Julia's 1st birthday party

Julia opened presents, enjoyed her cake and loved playing with her toys Sunday at her party. She was scooting around the floor and just having fun and smiling, too!
Sister Rachel helped her dad (Paul) put together one of the toys. She's quite a mechanic's helper!