Hey guys, I'm sure you've all heard about Iowa City being flooded. Judy gave me this information about our family there:
As far as I know the people in Iowa City & Kalona areas are fine. Sherri Jo's daughter's house was inundated so she and 2 big dogs are living with her. Sherri's hospital flooded and they had to evacuate 187 patients so now she has no work for awhile. My child hood friend Alicia Putnam's house is still under water and they won't let her near it, she is distraught. One of her daughters lives high on a hill in north Iowa City so they are staying with her.
If anyone has any other info, please post it here. Please keep this area and the people there in your prayers!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sir, Trainee Rusk reports as ordered!
so! just called patty to rsvp, and realized i should probably post an update over hyar.
i've turned in my application for the air force, so the next step is to take the armed services vocational aptitude battery. i can do that any monday or thursday at fort carson, but my advanced algebra, trigonometry, etc. are... shall we say, less than graceful right now. so i'm going to brush up on that real quicklike, and hopefully get that test out of the way within the next 30 days. once i do that, i have to go to denver for 2 days for a physical, and while i'm there, if i meet their requirements, i'll sign a contract and take an oath, and will henceforth be in the delayed enlistment program. after that, the recruiter tells me i'll probably start basic training in september or october, and right before i leave, i go back to denver for another physical.
i have to gain about 15 pounds to meet the minimum weight requirement for my height, so it looks like i'll be investing in some big-guy-muscle-man powder to build muscle mass. and i'm going to have to start working out, because otherwise it won't be muscle mass, and i have to keep my body fat under 20%. and that's about all i know!
see you guys at patty's on independence day, i hope!
i've turned in my application for the air force, so the next step is to take the armed services vocational aptitude battery. i can do that any monday or thursday at fort carson, but my advanced algebra, trigonometry, etc. are... shall we say, less than graceful right now. so i'm going to brush up on that real quicklike, and hopefully get that test out of the way within the next 30 days. once i do that, i have to go to denver for 2 days for a physical, and while i'm there, if i meet their requirements, i'll sign a contract and take an oath, and will henceforth be in the delayed enlistment program. after that, the recruiter tells me i'll probably start basic training in september or october, and right before i leave, i go back to denver for another physical.
i have to gain about 15 pounds to meet the minimum weight requirement for my height, so it looks like i'll be investing in some big-guy-muscle-man powder to build muscle mass. and i'm going to have to start working out, because otherwise it won't be muscle mass, and i have to keep my body fat under 20%. and that's about all i know!
see you guys at patty's on independence day, i hope!
Happy Birthday Micah!
Micah is 21 today! Craziness. I still remember vividly the day he was born, and was so excited that God had answered my prayer to send me and Betsy a baby brother. You are such a cool mansirboy, Micah! God has blessed you with so much talent and insight. You challenge me just about every time I talk to you.
While I was getting ready to write this, I thought, how cool would it be if we could sort of celebrate each cousin's birthday on the blog. I'll post on each cousin's day, and everyone else can comment or add their own post with their own birthday message to the person. I need Daniel's, Alissa's, and Andy's birthdays - would you comment on this post or email me with your birthday? (Lori or Joshua - Daniel hasn't signed up yet for the blog...would you let me know his birthday? Thanks)
While I was getting ready to write this, I thought, how cool would it be if we could sort of celebrate each cousin's birthday on the blog. I'll post on each cousin's day, and everyone else can comment or add their own post with their own birthday message to the person. I need Daniel's, Alissa's, and Andy's birthdays - would you comment on this post or email me with your birthday? (Lori or Joshua - Daniel hasn't signed up yet for the blog...would you let me know his birthday? Thanks)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Party for Matt
Dear Family & Friends of SPEC 4 Matthew Bontrager Bain -
You are cordially invited to attend a PARTY !!!!!! We will be honoring Matthew before he leaves to serve our country in Afghanastan.
We have chosen the 4th of July to gather together and celebrate!!!
WHERE: Patty's house....15165 Meridian Rd. (719-495-1516)
WHEN: July 4, 2008.....1:00 pm we'll eat!! stay as looonng as ya' like (bring fireworks if you're staying after dark!!!)
WHO: All-Ya'll that love Matt
WHY: Refer to above
HOW: Come hungry and happy!
We are putting together a 'What should I bring?' list of some of Matthew's favorite foods. Please call Patty 495-1516 or 235-7922 to see what we need you to bring! (Any RSPV - Respond Soon to Patty Van) would be appreciated.) Please feel free to invite any and all who would love to join in with us that day.
Judy Beeson and Patty
You are cordially invited to attend a PARTY !!!!!! We will be honoring Matthew before he leaves to serve our country in Afghanastan.
We have chosen the 4th of July to gather together and celebrate!!!
WHERE: Patty's house....15165 Meridian Rd. (719-495-1516)
WHEN: July 4, 2008.....1:00 pm we'll eat!! stay as looonng as ya' like (bring fireworks if you're staying after dark!!!)
WHO: All-Ya'll that love Matt
WHY: Refer to above
HOW: Come hungry and happy!
We are putting together a 'What should I bring?' list of some of Matthew's favorite foods. Please call Patty 495-1516 or 235-7922 to see what we need you to bring! (Any RSPV - Respond Soon to Patty Van) would be appreciated.) Please feel free to invite any and all who would love to join in with us that day.
Judy Beeson and Patty
Friday, June 6, 2008
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Ramirez II....
Yes, as Micah mentioned, 5/31 was Elizabeth's fabulous wedding in beautiful southern CA. It was so great seeing all of you that were there, and we really missed those that couldn't make it. Elizabeth was a beautiful bride and the ceremony was awesome...God's presence was so richly present! The reception was outside in a beautiful tree-lined courtyard. The happy couple are honeymooning in St. Marten right now. Here is a link to my photos of the wedding week on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=22174&l=9f84d&id=803528426
Yay wedding weekend!
Hey fam,
I loved seeing ya'll last weekend! I really needed it. Also, special thanks to those who came to the Mouthbook show. That was really fun.
Although, I am a little bummed that I didn't really get any quality one on one time with you. So can we make sure that happens when I get home? That would be great. I'll let you know when I'm back in the best state ever. Yes, that's right, I've decided not to stay here and join the band after all. I would miss you guys too much!
The rest of my summer is pretty booked with more travels and mountains and music, but I'll be home by autumn. See you then (unless anyone wants to join me before then?? eh?)
Love,
Micah
I loved seeing ya'll last weekend! I really needed it. Also, special thanks to those who came to the Mouthbook show. That was really fun.
Although, I am a little bummed that I didn't really get any quality one on one time with you. So can we make sure that happens when I get home? That would be great. I'll let you know when I'm back in the best state ever. Yes, that's right, I've decided not to stay here and join the band after all. I would miss you guys too much!
The rest of my summer is pretty booked with more travels and mountains and music, but I'll be home by autumn. See you then (unless anyone wants to join me before then?? eh?)
Love,
Micah
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
pictures of my girl
Hi guys!
I just uploaded some photos of Gretchen to my facebook page, so here is a link you can use to see them even if you're not on Facebook:
Easter photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15973&l=4af28&id=803528426
A few other photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19425&l=416dc&id=803528426
Let me know if you have any trouble with the links!
I just uploaded some photos of Gretchen to my facebook page, so here is a link you can use to see them even if you're not on Facebook:
Easter photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15973&l=4af28&id=803528426
A few other photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19425&l=416dc&id=803528426
Let me know if you have any trouble with the links!
i'm a survivor, i'm not gon' give up...
wow. i haven't been online in days. like, literally. DAYS!
so! couldn't make it to my original appointment with the recruiter. sile was sick, and daniella had a job interview right around the same time. so then i left lots of messages and finally got another appointment. i have most of the application filled out, but i need to take care of some things with my credit, and get medical records from when i fractured my skull at the tender age of 7. unfortunately, there are no records to be found! memorial hospital purges records for patients who haven't been treated in 7-10 years. so these records that might make the difference between me being qualified or disqualified have been gone without a trace for probably over a decade. but i'm going to keep on pluggin' away. try to find out if the destruction (at someone else's hand) of a head injury 19 years ago (EDIT: or, maybe, like, the records thereof) will forever disbar one from servitude. golly gophers, i hope not! could really use that signing bonus right about now, know what i mean, ha ha ha h!
meanwhile, back at the tuxedo shop, i made commission to the tune of 20 more suits than my colleague, who has been there a lot longer than me. aaaand it still barely amounts to a hill of beans. boo freaking hoo! i'm on the up and up, and no two ways about it, chief!
oh, what am i even talking about? um. yeah, it'd be nice to make it down to texas for 6 weeks of basic training before it gets really hot. bleah. why can't BMT be in canada or something? oh, probably because that wouldn't make any sense for the american military to do. uuuh, hope everycousin's well, and up, up the blog!
so! couldn't make it to my original appointment with the recruiter. sile was sick, and daniella had a job interview right around the same time. so then i left lots of messages and finally got another appointment. i have most of the application filled out, but i need to take care of some things with my credit, and get medical records from when i fractured my skull at the tender age of 7. unfortunately, there are no records to be found! memorial hospital purges records for patients who haven't been treated in 7-10 years. so these records that might make the difference between me being qualified or disqualified have been gone without a trace for probably over a decade. but i'm going to keep on pluggin' away. try to find out if the destruction (at someone else's hand) of a head injury 19 years ago (EDIT: or, maybe, like, the records thereof) will forever disbar one from servitude. golly gophers, i hope not! could really use that signing bonus right about now, know what i mean, ha ha ha h!
meanwhile, back at the tuxedo shop, i made commission to the tune of 20 more suits than my colleague, who has been there a lot longer than me. aaaand it still barely amounts to a hill of beans. boo freaking hoo! i'm on the up and up, and no two ways about it, chief!
oh, what am i even talking about? um. yeah, it'd be nice to make it down to texas for 6 weeks of basic training before it gets really hot. bleah. why can't BMT be in canada or something? oh, probably because that wouldn't make any sense for the american military to do. uuuh, hope everycousin's well, and up, up the blog!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Happy Mayday!
Today proves the old adage of my mother's.... "April showers bring....May snowstorms!" Almost the whole state woke up to blowing snow. Hard to believe that two nights ago we were enjoying dinner outside on our patio! I just wanted to share with those not in Colorado, so you wouldn't feel like you're missing out on the lovely spring weather!!
Today is also the National Day of Prayer...say a prayer for our country!
Today is also the National Day of Prayer...say a prayer for our country!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Babies Everywhere
Just thought I'd let everyone know, another Rhodes baby has been born. Ranee and Justin Brokaw (that's our parents' cousin Ed Gingerich's daughter and her husband) had Luke Gibson yesterday in Iowa City. He was seven pounds. Ranee's older sister Julie is due with another in August. Isn't this exciting? Babies are the best. So are cousins.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Mexico wedding
Aunt Ellie asked to hear about the wedding I went to in Mexico, so what Ellie wants, Ellie gets, complete with pictures:
Somehow, despite all the time I've spent in Mexico, I've never gotten to go to a wedding there, so I was pretty psyched about finally seeing one. The wedding was pretty similar to an American wedding, except for the processional. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids walked down the aisle together and sat down. Next came the groom, with his parents on either side. Then EstefanÃa walked down the aisle with both her parents. Everyone stood up and clapped, which I thought was a nice change from just standing up for her.
The rest of the time I was in Mexico I just hung out with my friends and visited the kids from a soup kitchen I work at every summer. Also, Korey taught me to drive stick-shift, since he had gotten stuck driving the whole way down because I couldn't. He's got a Mustang, so it was pretty thrilling to drive such a cool car on the mean streets of Chihuahua.
My friend EstefanÃa from Chihuahua got married last month, and since my friend Korey was driving down, I decided to skip my midterms and go with him. Skipping midterms might not have been the best idea, but it looks like I'll still graduate. And if not, well, the graduation announcements have already been sent, so who's really going to follow up and see if I actually did graduate? Haha! Anyway, it was great to be able to drive down there with Korey. He went to my missionary training school and then taught English with me in Mexico four years ago, and since I hadn't seen him since then it was cool to catch up with him.
He got a little delayed on his way to Colorado, so we ended up driving all through the night to get to the wedding on time. We got to Chihuahua with just enough time for me to get my hair and makeup done -at the insistence of my friend Karina - but unfortunately my hair got a little hacked up by a crazy lady and my makeup was of the hooker persuasion.
Somehow, despite all the time I've spent in Mexico, I've never gotten to go to a wedding there, so I was pretty psyched about finally seeing one. The wedding was pretty similar to an American wedding, except for the processional. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids walked down the aisle together and sat down. Next came the groom, with his parents on either side. Then EstefanÃa walked down the aisle with both her parents. Everyone stood up and clapped, which I thought was a nice change from just standing up for her.The ceremony itself wasn't much different from an Am
erican ceremony, except that the bride and groom's godparents gave them a Bible to represent Christ being at the center of their marriage. I think because my friends are Protestant they left out a lot of the traditional Mexican elements, which I guess have Catholic roots, like the part where the couple is tied together to represent their unity. (Yeah, they actually put a rope around them. Nothing says love like being tied to your spouse.) The whole wedding was amazing and beautiful, though, and I probably would have cried a little if I weren't so concerned about my hooker makeup running all over my face. The reception was also great, and they even had karaoke. I've gotta do karaoke at my wedding!
erican ceremony, except that the bride and groom's godparents gave them a Bible to represent Christ being at the center of their marriage. I think because my friends are Protestant they left out a lot of the traditional Mexican elements, which I guess have Catholic roots, like the part where the couple is tied together to represent their unity. (Yeah, they actually put a rope around them. Nothing says love like being tied to your spouse.) The whole wedding was amazing and beautiful, though, and I probably would have cried a little if I weren't so concerned about my hooker makeup running all over my face. The reception was also great, and they even had karaoke. I've gotta do karaoke at my wedding!
The rest of the time I was in Mexico I just hung out with my friends and visited the kids from a soup kitchen I work at every summer. Also, Korey taught me to drive stick-shift, since he had gotten stuck driving the whole way down because I couldn't. He's got a Mustang, so it was pretty thrilling to drive such a cool car on the mean streets of Chihuahua.Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Abigail
My little girl is smiling! Thank goodness. It's really hard to catch a picture of her toothless grin because our camera's shutter speed isn't so great. But, we've gotten a couple. The pictures are helpful to look at when she's fussy. Sometimes I think I'll go crazy w/ all her crying during the day. Although, she is already sleeping through the night! She started this soon after her 5th week of life. Last night, she went 8 hours in between feedings, but for the past 3 nights before that, she had been going 9 hours. This is a huge blessing! Thanks to Katie for her advice and encouragement!
The other day, Abigail was sleeping, and I was trying to sleep, and I heard a few loud, bubbly toots. I knew I had to change her since she'd be sleeping an 8 hour stretch. Can't have that diaper rash visit. So, I unwrapped her swaddle, and I see poodoo on the front of her layette! Brilliant Miss Abigail. Groggily (sp?), I take her into her nursery to change her, and I see poop coming out of the top/front of her diaper. What the heck?! Sooo messy.
Other than that, nothing unusual. Just the regular feed, burp, change diaper, wake time, nap routine. She sure is fun . . . when she's not crying.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"Love is a feeling that we don't understand
but we're gonna give it to ya" -I'm From Barcelona
Well I let Jonas know that I'm sorry, I can't be his disciple. But he's ok with it.
"I don't necessarily need anyone for my revolution. I'll be able to do it on my own."
Also, I believe he's bipolar. It's really sad. He gets really depressed sometimes. He'll be laughing and talking away about philosophy for hours, and next moment he's sitting there staring at the ground, unable to speak, with pain and weariness in his eyes.
I can tell he's a lonely, hurting man who has suffered much. And there are millions like him, everywhere we go. I wish there was something that could be done to help them all. But I think the only the thing we are called to do -and can do, for that matter- is love them. Love them, one at a time, love them, and let God work through that.
It makes me chuckle to see how everyone else is writing about having children and graduating from school and being responsible, and I'm here writing about hanging out with crazy people on the streets! I love how different we all are, and that I still fit in with you guys! Thanks for still loving me even when I decide to run away and not care about anything. Don't worry though, I'm almost done with this season. I'm going to go to school in the fall. I plan to transfer to the Denver REI when I get home, and maybe even find a house or apartment to live in. It will be nice to have a place to paint again.
Peace be with you!
Well I let Jonas know that I'm sorry, I can't be his disciple. But he's ok with it.
"I don't necessarily need anyone for my revolution. I'll be able to do it on my own."
Also, I believe he's bipolar. It's really sad. He gets really depressed sometimes. He'll be laughing and talking away about philosophy for hours, and next moment he's sitting there staring at the ground, unable to speak, with pain and weariness in his eyes.
I can tell he's a lonely, hurting man who has suffered much. And there are millions like him, everywhere we go. I wish there was something that could be done to help them all. But I think the only the thing we are called to do -and can do, for that matter- is love them. Love them, one at a time, love them, and let God work through that.
It makes me chuckle to see how everyone else is writing about having children and graduating from school and being responsible, and I'm here writing about hanging out with crazy people on the streets! I love how different we all are, and that I still fit in with you guys! Thanks for still loving me even when I decide to run away and not care about anything. Don't worry though, I'm almost done with this season. I'm going to go to school in the fall. I plan to transfer to the Denver REI when I get home, and maybe even find a house or apartment to live in. It will be nice to have a place to paint again.
Peace be with you!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Hey Guys!
Well, as most of you have already heard, I am a daddy! It's kinda hard to believe sometimes. All I know is that I feel incredibly blessed and honored to be a dad. Aidan is so beautiful! Ky is doing great! God has really blessed us with him! I hope to have a website up soon so that you can see more pictures of him. If you are on facebook, Ky and I have been updating pictures of him. Love you guys!
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