Christmas Letter for 2014 and 2015

   Last Christmas, I couldn't seem to write a letter even after a full year of adjusting to Dale’s job loss and heart condition. We did drive back to Kansas/Missouri and visited all our family, which was a blessing. But on the return trip, our car was broken into overnight, and we lost thousands of dollars of possessions that we were taking back to Delaware. God wasn’t trying to ruin us completely... We were glad our family was unharmed, and the insurance money helped our budgeting. AirBnB also helped with a dozen different people renting our "basement apartment” in St. Joseph (whilst Angie was the “pool boy”). Finally, God surprised us in June by sending a family who wanted to rent our house. We moved (meaning the twins did all the work) to a rental house in north Wilmington with a dishwasher (!) and separate bedrooms (!) for the first time in Ben and David’s lives. Please excuse the USPS who doesn’t forward so well!

     Dale still has physical limitations which make him unable to accept the flying offer$ that come every month, but he was happy to find a new medication in September that decreased the negative side effects he has been battling. He helped me say goodbye to the 1996 Previa after 231,000 miles (LOL it lasted almost the whole 25 years of our marriage). He also handled multiple car repairs/trades/sales for Reid and twins and Father Benjamin. He has become killer at “Words with Friends” in between teaching simulator sessions at Flight Safety.

     I am still hosting international students as my part-time job. Both Johnson and Terry came back from last school year (sophomore and junior at Tatnall). While they were gone over the summer, we rotated through five other Chinese boys attending junior high camps or college (I've learned a great deal about the Communist Party in China). Basically, I cook and clean and chauffeur -- Love that dishwasher! We also welcomed five pilgrims for the Papal Visit to Philly (“Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.” -Pope Francis) and renewed our admiration for Catholic missionaries (like Jimmy Mitchell and Father Anthony). I increased my tutoring contracts now that I am not working for the Chinese placement office. During my busiest times, I have 70+ hours (7 days a week) and my slowest weeks have 25 hours (and only 5 days). I still like ACT better than SAT (given the upcoming changes).

     Reid served as Vice President at his fraternity, was Homecoming Chair (again), and attended all the good (and bad) sporting events at K-State. He is an executive officer for Sigma Alpha Pi and has a work-study job with the Professional Advantage Program at the College of Business. High hopes for another summer internship (thanks, Uncle Carey). We took him to Wall Street, Ground Zero, Times Square & Rockefeller Plaza this week.

     Ben and David continue online/homeschooling plus they took Sociology at community college. Next semester is World History (less liberal, I’m sure). They are having an amazing hockey season (beating the #10 and #12 teams in the country). They recently accepted a tender from the Janesville (Wisc) Jets, which is one of the best teams in the NAHL. This contract was a huge honor since each team has a limited number of offers they are allowed to extend. We are all holding our breath for the USHL draft in early May (that is the premier junior's league with the most college scholarships).

     Last, but certainly not least, is our joyful news of Megan Augusta and her wedding with Spencer Thomas Rusch in November. I have photos on Facebook and my WarmlyCandise blogspot, which pale in comparison to “the" perfectly grand affair. Sorry we couldn’t invite all our friends, but our hearts are still overwhelmed by the prayers, good wishes, lovely setting, extraordinary food, fun music, and all manner of blessings brought to us by this small but important extension of our family. Their charming house and prosperous jobs with Rubin/Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events are sure to make their way into future Christmas letters. 

     We all do well to keep a sense of humor in this world, and in this Year of Mercy, I pray you best wishes for a   

     Merry Christmas!  and a  Happy New Year!

Chesterton said: “I have little doubt that when St. George had killed the dragon he was heartily afraid of the princess.”   and  “What life and death may be to a turkey is not my business; but the soul of Scrooge and the body of Cratchit are my business.” 

The Wedding Ceremony (Part 2 of 4)

The morning rain turned into snow as we watched through the window from the Seven Gables Inn, where all the bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done. When the veil was finally added to Megan’s updo, we both got a little teary eyed! The first look was for Dale—meeting her at the bottom of the stairway. 

Then Spencer got his “First Look” on the patio, with all the bridal party peeking through the windows to see them exchange gifts (a hockey jersey is sentimental?! she wanted a Kate Spade "Mrs." bracelet?!).
The wedding began inside the chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph with beautiful prelude music by a violin and cello duo. The four bridesmaids (AGD sisters) wore long black gowns, and the ushers (her brothers) and groomsmen (Spencer’s childhood buddies) didn’t miss a cue. The interns from "Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events" brought programs with velvet ribbons, gold pew bows, and a basket of vintage handkerchiefs for tears of joy.

Here comes the Bride! Her dress by Vera Wang was complimented perfectly by a custom-made lace top and cathedral length veil. The readings and homily seemed especially meaningful for the couple, given the challenges of the past year. Their vows were sealed with a kiss and confirmed in the Eucharist with many Catholic relatives and friends.

Instead of rice or confetti, the exit was an exhilarating send-off with “Team Rusch” rally towels.

The Wedding Rehearsal (Part 1 of 4)

From last year's engagement on Nov. 21 until this year's wedding on Nov. 21, we have watched Megan's excitement and Pinterest boards expand. Her vision was classically styled and sophisticated in every detail. 

She designed a vintage-looking monogram, which ironically spells "MRS". The monogram appeared prominently on her cream-colored invitation suite, which was tied up with a black velvet ribbon. 
We regret that we couldn't invite all our friends, nor could they all travel to St. Louis (Rusch's home parish), but we cherish the prayers and email messages which arrived from far and near.
Megan came to the rehearsal on Thursday in a stylish cocktail dress--its sparkles picked up the happiness in Spencer's eyes! Father Benjamin arrived to "run the show," but infected all of us with his holy sense of humor. Both grandmothers from the bride's side were guests of honor at the delicious dinner at LoRusso's on the Hill.
Joe Rusch gave a moving toast and Michelle Rusch read a poem that touched our hearts. A slide show of family memories reminded us of the blessings since 1990 & 1992.

Christmas Memories

My camera was stolen just after Christmas, so I've lost the formal photos from church and the engagement dinner and from Meggar's trendy apartment (where we watched the "Michael Buble Special," ate, drank, laughed, and opened presents).
Aunt Kathryn sent me this one from the Leonard family gathering in Wichita!

Second Year at College

Dorito is sometimes lost in the middle of our family, but he's never forgotten.

He is having a busy semester back at K-State. This week he is working overtime as the Homecoming Chairman for Phi Kappa Theta. They are paired with Gamma-Phi and Sig-Ep (which is good and bad, respectively, so you get the drift). His leadership skills are being stretched as he tries to motivate the 34 members of his small fraternity to do their part. This week, he also has a big Accounting Project due.
He likes to look the part. Sporting his new suit for formal dinners. And his new glasses.

This year, he is also balancing a job: working part-time as a house boy at the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house on Mondays and Wednesdays for supper.

And he attends all the football games, of course!
Here's his SnapChat from the front row at the 50-yard-line a couple weeks back. The ICAT section is first come, first served so he likes to get there early.

Off to the Philmont Scout Ranch

Some young men I know boarded the Amtrack last Friday in Kansas City bound for Cimmaron. They have been planning this High Adventure for nearly two years. They have chosen to backpack 83 miles in 10 days in the mountains of New Mexico carrying all their supplies (replenishing water and food at stations along the way).

What Would You Do for Free?

There is a new Krispy Kreme donut store opening tomorrow about a stone's throw from the New Castle County Airport. And since we only live 4 minutes from that...
My three guys are camping out to be among the first 100 people in line!
(Won't @MilesEvans22 be jealous?!)
EACH wins one dozen donuts per month for a year!

The line could officially start forming at 3:00 pm, so I checked it out around 4:30 pm (when I got off work) and there were only 26 people so far. They were psyched about the idea! Captain helped pack them a cooler, and I made a quick dinner. Martin C offered lawn chairs and wanted to join them. They arrived at just after 6:30 pm and secured slots #34-37.  But they have to campout all night. Dorito says this is just like a No-Sleep-Thursday-Night at Camp Geiger. They have plenty of technology in tow and #KrispyKreme has free wifi.

Birthday Boy Starts 20th Year

Dorito had a "date" with Captain and I over the weekend at a micro-brewery on the river. But today is the "real" birthday so we tried to make it fun, too. Twitter messages, T-shirt, and telling stories about when he was a baby. He was always a good boy. Now he's a good young man. #RowdyGentleman

Weekends are for Fun

Everyone with Facebook has already seen that Sniper got a haircut finally. On Father's Day.

 

Playmaker was braver, giving up his "hockey hair" for the recital of his big sister. He said he wanted a different look, and it definitely makes them both look so much older.

 Dorito is taking a summer vacation from shaving.

 In Delaware they call it "Separation Day" and celebrate with parade, free concert, colonial games, food vendors, and fireworks. Back home we call it "Flag Day" on June 14 (which is easy to remember as that is Aunt Denise's birthday).

Who is the Rowdy Gentleman?

Here's a little secret: Dorito loves Twitter.
He found a couple of clever sites that he can relate to and then he retweets the wittiest phrases.
@TotalFratMove is a play on the "preppy" stereotype of fraternity men and their thoughts about life
@RowdyGentleman takes adages and rewords them to show his advantage
Example:
Total Frat Move is claiming that even Jesus went Greek: Alpha Omega.
Total Frat Move is taking credit where credit is actually due to a pledge.
Rowdy Gentleman likes to go golfing, but he leaves after nine holes if the cart girl isn't good looking.
As a kid, Rowdy Gentleman recalls taking his own putter to the mini-golf course.
So you can see why I have to apologize and explain to people in line at the post office why I am bursting out with laughter. "Sorry, I'm reading Tweets on my phone!"

Video of Diversity

Bill Cosby would agree that Dorito is definitely a Wild Cat!

Here is the You Tube video of his step team!
He is shown far left in the still shot... then

watch the video at :34 and :36 where he is the second from left on front row...

Go to 1:05 to see the Wildcat Steppers!

Dorito ends up in the back row (far left) seen for 3 seconds.

Step Right Up

The black fraternity at K-State reached out to the entire Greek community and asked other members to try out for the first-ever "step show" team. The Phi Kaps had already worked on Homecoming with the Phi Beta Sigmas and knew they were cool guys. Besides that, Dorito has a philosophy of "getting his money's worth" during his freshman year by participating in absolutely-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink. So he tried out (of course), and he made the team (of course). He loves dancing (ever since that ballroom class with Hannah Mason in high school before prom).

What I didn't know was the amount of time he devoted to the preparation. They practiced three days a week for the past 7-8 weeks. What an impressive show they put on! All I know how to do is stomp my foot when I'm upset but this was totally choreographed rhythms and steps that created its own "music." Even Willie the Wildcat made an impromptu addition to the Wildcat Steppers part of the show. Other teams came from OU, KU, and U of Minnesota and were serious talented.

The competition was a Phi Beta Sigma fundraiser for scholarships, and Dorito had a large group of supporters: there were 19 of the 32 guys from his own fraternity, plus 5 girl friends and 3 moms. So he raised more than $120 alone, and the Forum Hall was sold out.

Front of the Line

Dorito was so excited that he called to tell us about his iCat pass. Last year, they sold out before being offered to any freshmen. He was so bummed that he had to buy a student general admission ticket for his first K-State football and basketball season. (Some students do that because it is cheaper.) $60 cheaper. But we are talking about a serious Wildcat fan here. He signed up first thing on Monday. With his new iCat pass, Dorito will get to be seated in the front sections for both basketball and football, he will receive a free t-shirt at the beginning of each sport, and he pockets a free ticket to the spring football scrimmage on April 25. This is a reason to cheer.

Throwback Thursday--Dorito in 2010

Back in the day, Captain and I camped out for the very FIRST iCat passes (1987). We also got a free t-shirt. But we only paid $20 as the acronym stood for "I Contributed a Twenty," but the meme was later stolen by Apple for its iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc. Don't you think?!

Road Trips Give Us a Break

The twins left yesterday for spring break with their Nashville youth group. A group of 10 guys from Fraternus are heading to a Catholic mission in the Appalachian Mountains to work repairing the homes of the poor. Sniper and Playmaker are excited for the daily mass and rosary, too. This will be a good Lenten retreat (as they will give up their cell phones for the entire week). Thanks to a few relatives who sponsored their expenses.
Dorito is driving down to Louisiana with a couple of Phi Kaps, who are visiting a P.A. school with Mason and then stopping at Galveston beach and Corpus Christi. He is planning to show the other two how to eat crawfish. Brotherhood is such a good way to celebrate time off from mid-terms.
Meggar is headed back to school now that her spring break has ended. She spent her time applying for "real" jobs and promoting her Mr & Mrs Wedding Events at churches and bridal shops.
Captain and I are plenty busy (in this quiet house) with the details about moving forward. It is difficult to let go of anger and resentment when "life" has been unfair and remains uncertain.

Looking at Careers

Meggar is home for spring break and continuing to apply for jobs (to support herself until the sideline of Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Events becomes profitable). She could always be a nanny again, but she hopes for a hotel or event planning position. She didn't get the Symphony marketing job last month. But she went to the Career Fair at Truman last week and managed to network with several other St. Louis employers. Target wanted to put her on their interview list, but it was for relocating to another state so she declined. Then Stephen Ministries called her for a phone interview, and she passed up to the next level. They will hold job-site interviews later this week!

Meanwhile, she had a photo session in her senior recital gown as well as took a few professional head-shots for her blog and job interviews.
At the other college, Dorito excelled at the Career Fair too. He was probably the only freshman to show up in a coat-and-tie with resumes in hand. But he had done his research on the internet and talked to a handful of companies about summer internships. Happily, Northwestern Mutual put him on their phone interview list because of his Boy Scout awards. He passed the phone interview last week and finished an online survey this week. He didn't make the final cut, but we are still impressed by his early endeavors into the "real world."

Photos from College

Dorito is cheering on the K-State Bball team (second from left) whose record is 18-8 so far (14-1 at home games). 

Dorito had a Valentine for his date party. We gave him the purple bowtie at Christmas and he only had to watch the You Tube video once to learn how to tie it properly!

Meggar said they skipped the date party and went to a Chopin/Debussy concert instead.

Historical Moments at K-State

What a victory! K-State beat #7 ranked KU in basketball?! In over-time! Home court advantage...  Dorito has so many reasons to love his Wildcat experience, but this was an over-the-top memory.

(unknown photo)

More About Dorito

It's Wednesday.

Dorito was excited for first formal dinner as an Active.
So he wore his new Phi Kap tie.
And his "new" Phi Kap pin,
which is an antique set with real pearls and synthetic rubies that we gifted for his initiation.
Looking proudly like a Man of Faith.
I also admire the gigantic smiles captured in Meggar's photo collage.

Initiation at Phi Kap

Eric gave Dorito a Phi Kap tie to match his!

Letters! Dorito received this "family" letters sweatshirt from Spencer and Meggar 

(They attended the initiation ceremony and weekend)

Alumnus Frank Pakulski uncovered rare footage of John F. Kennedy receiving his pledge pin for Theta Kappa Phi (now called Phi Kappa Theta). The photo was taken on October 2, 1958, 

and Kennedy is receiving his pin by then chapter president Donald R. Ferrari (WPI, '59).

Another Chef in the Kitchen

While we were out-of-town last weekend, Dorito rustled up his own food. I was impressed to receive this peek at his masterpiece: BBQ Chicken Pizza from his own "Southern Living Barbecue" cookbook.