|
This site dedicated as a memorial of love to:
James and Eunice Stevenson ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
(If you don't see your addition try clicking here , or
reload this page!)
This version of the letter displays
new additions to the letter at the top of the page. If you'd prefer
to see previous additions from the top click here.
Memories of Mom,Gramma,Great Gramma
Ok Lisa~
Here is the Eunice Challenge:
Gramma was an amazing writer...though many may not know
this... she should've written a book... she had a way with
description and a know how to make her writings come
alive ... She would write conversations to God on paper
about how she felt about being lonely cause many of her
children were so far away ...or sad because her children
had wandered away from the Lord...even those who were once
very close to God when they were younger... she put alot of
feeling into her writings and you could see here inner
heart while reading them... I will look for some and put
them on this circle letter...you'll all see what I mean...
I miss Mom so much and Dan, I loved the way you talked
right to her on this Circle letter...like she could read
it...and I believe she can... and I know she and Dad are
amazed at all the "life" that is following through the
years after their passing... I miss them both so much...
that sometimes if I think about it too hard....I just break
down and lose it cuz it hurts so bad...
Grampa had a poem above his desk that was called SLOW ME
DOWN LORD and it was about taking time for the small things
because before you know it...they're gone! And just like
that ...THEY were gone...so I just want to tell you all how
much I love you and I miss all of you who are so far away
and SO look forward to our next BIG Stevenson family
reunion...As Bonnie Raitt so perfectly said it in one of
her songs..."Life gets mighty precious~ when there's less
of it to waste"...
Remember... the love that Mom (Gramma) had for us all
cannot even come close to the Love that Jesus Christ has
for us ~ but Mom had the love of Jesus living inside her
and
that is how she could love us all so completely! What an
amazing gift she was and I am so thankful God blessed our
family with her!!!!
I love you all!
Happy "Mother's" (birth) day!
XOXOX
( Aunt)Mary
- Friday, September 21, 2007 at 19:44:11 (PDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comA Great Memory of Mom
This memory of Mom has been shared before I'm sure, but a
real strong memory of Mom for me was her always singing us
to sleep at night....I mean talk about cool....I also
remember calling out to her in the middle of the night if
I was sick....Bam! she was right there.....Remember tea
and toast? or Vernors....Talk about your unconditional
love...and although I had it better than everyone
else...Mom always had a way of loving us so much...such a
Blessing! such a Comfort...
Love and with Joy
John
ps This is really a cool idea
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 06:26:49 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netSilly Questions/Great Answers
As a young girl, I use to love to ask what I thought were
hard questions to mom to see how she'd answer them.
Example: Do you think the blessed mother was pretty?
Answer: If you could create your own mother, wouldn't you
make her pretty? If God is so wonderful, why do we
fear him? Answer: He's just, and you know how you love
your father very much, well sometimes you're affraid of him
and come to me to go to bat for you when you're in trouble
or so. O.K. what about the ark...really? Sally we're
talking about the SUPREME BEING here and with God,
everything's possible (and still is to this day yeah
people) !!
Funny how she never really had to elaberate. Though she
only went to the 8th grade she was always smart to me!! I
miss her daily !! I miss all of you too who aren't around
this neck of the woods. Hope you're all well.
Love Sal
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 06:29:34 (PDT)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.com!!!! Happiest Birthday Nancy !!!!
Hi Nancy you Sweety!
Well now you can officially retire, and I bet you don't
feel a day over 64....I hope your day is blessed through
and through....with family, friends, food, and fun!! I
know that this will be your best year yet!!! I love you
and can't wait until next summer to see you again, and
believe me, it will be here sooner than we think...are you
kidding me, it's already been 3 months since Branson!!!
Once again, Happy Birthday Nancy!!
Much Love and with Joy
John
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 09:45:33 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netMOM/GRANDMAÂ ABSOLUTELYÂ LOVEDÂ MEÂ THEÂ MOST
Hello Everybody,
A little song for the birthday girls.
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday dear Mom, Nancy and Chris
Happy Birthday to You
Fact:
Of all the 12 children mom had ~ she loved me the
most!
For 21,900 minutes.
I love you all dearly!
(Especially the ones with a big smile on your face)
James.....
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:21:03 (PDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.comMOMÂ ABSOLUTELYÂ LOVEDÂ MEÂ THEÂ MOST
See the letter above.
James.....
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:24:49 (PDT)
Author: Jis@windgifts.comMOMÂ /Â GRANDMAÂ ABSOLUTELYÂ LOVEDÂ MEÂ THEÂ MOST
Honest!
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:32:01 (PDT)
Author: jis@windgifts.com
I'm writing from Turkmenistan.
James.....
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:37:12 (PDT)
Author: jis@windgift.com
NOT!
- Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 16:39:56 (PDT)
Author: jis@windgift.comHappy Birthday Aunt Chris and James
Hi Chris and James,
I hope your birthday has been and is still a lot of
fun...I know James' birthday has been a lot of fun...(he
got a new mini-bike that looks more like a HD hog) I hope
everything else in Michigan is hunkey dorey!!!
Love and with Joy
John
ps I have a big smile on my face James
- Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 14:15:23 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netRelay for Life Memories !
Hello family !
I am having a very sweet de-ja vu moment.
Today is Relay for Life Day for us here in Wicomico
County, Maryland.
I am thinking about the year when so many of you
were here with us.
What wonderful fun it was for us having you here !!
We will always treasure that time with you.
The year that you were here, with Jenny and Tom
being the local chairpeople for our Relay, our little
community raised over $350,000....which was
more money... per capita... than any Relay in this
nation !!!!
Thanks for your part in that.
But mostly, I just so fondly remember that so many
of you were for us.
I LOVE whatever brings a family together.
It is now noon on Friday and Tom, Jenny, Kathy and
Danny,...along with about 100 other people are at the
stadium getting set up for the event that starts today at
6:00 p.m. I am just starting to bake 24 dozen cookies.
If you want one of my warm, fresh baked chocloate
chip cookies, stop by !
In the words of Bob Hope,
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES !
Love,
Esther
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:13:13 (PDT)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netMore Mom Memories
Hello Everyone!
I had such a busy birthday weekend and this week of course
flew by, that this is the first chance I've had to read
the circle letter in a while. I had a great birthday and
I'm still amazed at the fact that now I have to use my
medicare card for chiropractor appointments. You never
think that day will come; it's really quite shocking, but
I'm so grateful for my health and all my blessings.
Lisa, I have a few memories of grandma I'd like to share
of the millions stored away. Some I've mentioned to
several people, I'm sure, but never printed them (probably
because they were loving chidings that she would always so
tactfully do). I always remember Dad saying that Gertrude
Gordan may have had a degree, but Ma had more common sense
in her little finger than any woman he ever knew.
Anyway, here are some quotes that still ring in my ear and
I wish she were still here to say them in person: "Nancy,
if you would just put things away....." and "You've got
more shoes than brains". She's so right. The best one of
all is also a question that I asked her once when we were
on retreat many, many years ago. I said "why does God
love us so much?" I can still remember her answer in that
small retreat room. She said, "You know how much you love
your children?" Well, God is the ultimate Creator of each
of us; He's our Father. He loves us with an eternal love
that we cannot even comprehend! Anyone of us would die
for one of our children; He died for each of us because He
had to; it's just the way it had to be in order for us to
live eternally in heaven." I might be paraphrasing a
little, but her words stayed in my memory all these
years. What an awesome teacher she was!
It's a beautiful time of year in Michigan although I don't
like to see winter coming. It's been a great summer,
especially our Branson trip. Hope to see as many of you
as possible next July for our second Stevenson Family
reunion.
With love always,
Nancy
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 11:29:23 (PDT)
Author: bhnhr12@comcast.netMemories and a second challenge
To the woman I hold as one of my greatest heros! Well one
of my favorite, probably mentioned before, was going to
the lake
as a kid and in the opening of the crawl space she had a
coffee can, with hole punched in the lid and had a
salamader in it for me, she knwo how much I would love
that, but I wonder if she know how long I'd keep the
memory, I still can't imagine her picking it up, but that
is what love does! I also cherish the time I got to spend
with her when Grandpa had his heart surgery at MSU, and
favorite of favorites (strnage though it seems) was being
able , or should I say challenged, to climb beside her in
her bed at the Raspberry patch (I think that's what the
care center was)toward the end of her life and read from
the Bible to her and give her the comfort she so loving
gave to all of us. Uncle Dan, it was my "I love you
forever" moment.
Now onto the challenge: As you all know now from reading
these notes it is 10 years ago this November that grandma
went to her enternal reward and no doubt heard "well done,
my good and faithful servant"! So in honor of I would like
all of us Michiganders (out of towners most welcome!!) to
band togetehr and serve at a soup kitchen hopefully the
weekend just proir to November 12 (as the 12 is a Monday.
I've done this before with a church group in downtown
detroit, we made 3,000 Peanut butter and jelly sandwich's
and then served them and other things for St. Al's soup
kitchen. We could also do this in Pontiac for better
participation for those out there. Any suggesetions for a
place I can contact and see. I think we would need about
20 of us or so, hopefully more. Grandma always saw Christ
in the poor, and everyone she met, so what better way to
honor her life that to spend a day living it as she
would. You know she and grandpa will be right along side
us!
Lot's of Love, Tommy
Pleas e-mail me at tstevens@visteon.com ASAP with interst
so I can set it up.
- Monday, October 01, 2007 at 09:31:46 (PDT)
Author: tstevens@visteon.comMemories and a second challenge
To the woman I hold as one of my greatest heros! Well one
of my favorite, probably mentioned before, was going to
the lake as a kid, and in the opening of the crawl space
she had a coffee can, with hole punched in the lid and had
a salamader in it for me, she knew how much I would love
that, but I wonder if she know how long I'd keep the
memory, I still can't imagine her picking it up, but that
is what love does! I also cherish the time I got to spend
with her when Grandpa had his heart surgery at MSU, and
favorite of favorites (strange though it seems) was being
able, or should I say challenged, to climb beside her in
her bed at the Raspberry Patch (I think that's what the
care center in Goodrich was called)toward the end of her
life and read from the Bible to her to give her the
comfort she so loving gave to all of us. Uncle Dan, it
was my "I love you forever" moment.
Now onto the challenge: As you all now know from reading
these notes, it is 10 years ago this November that Grandma
went to her enternal reward and no doubt heard the
words "well done, my good and faithful servant"! So in her
honor of I would like all of us Michiganders (out of
towners most welcome!!) to band together and Serve at a
soup kitchen hopefully the weekend just prior to November
12 (as the 12 is a Monday).
I've done this before with a church group in downtown
Detroit, we made 3,000 Peanut butter and jelly sandwich's
and then served them along with clothing and other things
for St. Al's soup kitchen. We could also do this in
Pontiac for better participation for those out there. Any
suggestions for a place I can contact? I think we would
need about 20 of us or so, hopefully more. Grandma always
saw Christ in the poor, and everyone she met, so what
better way to honor her life that to spend a day living it
as she would. You know she and grandpa will be right
along side us!
To quote a favorite saying of her's :
"God Bless you Honey!" (can't you feel her hands so gentle
on your face?? : )
Lot's of Love, Tommy
Please e-mail me at tstevens@visteon.com ASAP with interst
so I can set it up.
- Monday, October 01, 2007 at 10:07:23 (PDT)
Author: tstevens@visteon.comTom is coming to Oakland County !
Attention Oakland County Stevensons :
Tom & Esther are coming to Michigan next week for
Esther's Up North week with her girlfriends.
That means that Tom Stevenson will be on his own.
He will be homeless from Tuesday October 16th - Wed. 24th.
Maybe some of you could give him shelter, a meal and some
tender loving care !
Enjoy having him all to yourselves.
I LOVE hearing about all of his sibling adventures,
in fact, I even have him keep a little journal so I don't
miss anything !!!
Love,
Esther
- Friday, October 05, 2007 at 09:56:58 (PDT)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netMy Eun Memory
"Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your
house; your children will be like olive shoots around your
table." Psalm 128:3, RSV
I have my memory of Grandma Eunice, which I shall
share with you now. I was looking hypocritical there for a
while, exhorting everyone to share a memory and then not
sharing my own. It is just that I needed to think of one
and I left that out of my letter.
My memory (no. 1) is that Steven and I went to
Grandma & Grandpa Stevenson's to spend the night (I
believe this is before Erin's birth)and someone dropped
off a litter of puppies on the porch that night. Grandma
spent the night in the room (Terry & Johnny's @ the time)
with us with a rolled-up newspaper and she kept smacking
the side of the bed with it when a dog would whimper. I
think we slept a grand total of 2 hours that night.
My 2nd memory is when I took my fiance Alan to
Bourbon Street Casino to meet several Stevenson relatives
@ once. We walked in, and turned the corner to the lounge
area, and there was Grandma up on stage, singing!(I
believe it was 'Pennies from Heaven') I told Alan "That's
my Grandma." he said "Where?" and I pointed to the stage.
I knew that I had told him we were a musical family but
that kind of cemented it for him that moment. I believe
that was sometime in 1990.This is a classic memory of
mine that I cherish.
Love,
Lisa
- Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 14:40:10 (PDT)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comGranda memories take 2
Awwwwww!! I never heard that story about Bourbon Street! I
realized my first memory was pretty standard so I'm
submitting another one. Other memories I have of Gramma
(that's how SHE spelled it) were that of her always
tearing up whenever something emotional came on TV or a
certain song would be played. I especially remember the
first time she saw the "Unforgettable" video with Natalie
and Nat King Cole (I was at Aunt Sally's watching TV with
Ami, Summer '91) and thinking it was a little strange but
knowing thats just how she was. (Needless to say I used
that song for my father/daughter dance at my, ahem, first
wedding.) Well, I TOTALLY find myself doing that now!! I
get choked up about something at least every other day.
That and I find myself taking my hands up to my face like
she used to whenever she'd be surprised and/or excited. :)
I LOVE YOU GRAMMA!!!
Love, E
- Monday, October 08, 2007 at 19:47:45 (PDT)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comsigh.....
What the H is a granda?? Seriously, I can't submit
anything without misspelling something :(
- Monday, October 08, 2007 at 19:49:21 (PDT)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comHappy Birthday Jim Nichols
Isn't it amazing how so many special people in this family
are born in October!! I mean really, I don't want to go
on about how special October is... (yes I do) Jim, I
hope
that this will be your best year yet....and that today
will be very special for you....Happy Birthday you hot
rodder you!!
Love and with Joy
John
- Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 09:13:51 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netOCTOBER RULES!!!!!!
Author: jimnjane@comcast.net Brother Bill Update
Hi Everyone,
I just finished talking with Bill...He and Sharon just
got back from Tennessee to visit Lisa....He is doing very
well (just got a new car) He's going to a chiropractor
twice a week...and although he's not improving as fast as
the chiropractor thought he would, he is improving...Sharon
says he's playing much better than he was before....When I
talked to him, he had just finish practicing about an
hour...that in itself is good!! He said he was greatful
that he was healthy, that he had all his faculties...that
he was able to jog...we had a couple of good laughs about
the ever changing landscape of Las Vegas....(if you've seen
them tear down and rebuild the MGM once, you've seen it a
hundred times) and all the friendly competition between
Steve Wynn and Donald Trump $$$$$$$$$ How about a one
room condo overlooking the strip for $5 million
dollars......pocket change.....really deep pockets!!! Bill
said not being able to play like he used to was quite a
drag, but he was in such good spirits, it was really fun
talking to him.....Let's keep lifting him up in our
prayers, that God will restore his playing ability....
I love you all dearly!!
John
- Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 18:05:20 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netThe Power of Prayer
John...thank you so much for the update on Bill. I know
that we all are very concerned for him. How does the old
saying go? "God works in mysterious ways" We are not to
question Him, but we...as a family... can TALK to him. Bill
was given this amazing gift and with the power of prayer,
he will be able to play again like he once could. I am
asking each and everyone of us to keep Bill in our prayers
EVERY DAY until he is able to overcome this problem. We all
know what the Stevenson family can do when they are united
in prayer!!
I love you all...Janie
- Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 03:10:17 (PDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netMessage from Bill
Dear Stevenson Brothers & Sisters,
I am sorry for painting such a gloomy picture to
brother Johnny about my piano playing. I just came back
from jogging 5 miles and I got two calls for work.
Things are looking up and I am in a much better frame
of mind. I just have to practice and play my way back. So,
there's light at the end of the tunnel. I just need to get
back into playing.
Love,
Brother Bill
- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 15:13:03 (PDT)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comand a one-a and a two-a...
Erin...
a GRANDA memory is just that ...SO GRANDA thata I can'ta
take-a it-a... That's how Lawrence Welk would describe your
Dad's piano...it's a GRANDA!!!!
I love that!!!!
Sally~ What was the cutest story about Mom and you guys
walking in the airport and you saw the Hari Krishna
man????? How Mom ALWAYS gave everyone the benefit of the
doubt... If you don't remember it ask Tony... and then tell
it cuz it was perfectly MOM... yes indeed she was
AMAZING!!!!
I love you all and miss you like crazy!
xoxoxo,
Mary
PS
I am not receiving notification of new entries on THE
CIRCLE LETTER anymore in my E-mail...Have you stopped doing
that, Scott??? Help if something's wrong!
PSS
In about 3 weeks I will be writing a LONG update of all
the GREAT things that are happening in our family ...sooooo
stay tuned...till ten PRAY for us as we make some MAJOR
decisions!!! We're nervous but excited!!!!
- Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 20:45:22 (PDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHELP !!
Hi everyone, By the way, I love you all.
Scott, I too am not getting the letter on the wed update
(that's something new). Hope you can help me out. Ami J
would like to be notified also...amijane1@comcast.net
Thanks Scott.
Bill, I'm soooo happy for you about returning to work.
Very cool !!! Jane, I like October too. It's been a good
one. Tony and I just got back from Missouri (again).
Rachel's family had a small "after" wedding party for the
family members who couldn't come to Michigan. It was
lovely, 80 degrees. Everyone was really nice to us.
However, ALOT of driving...14 hours. 2 days driving for a
day and a half in MO. That's love. No, seriously, it was
so nice. Tony and I are going to LA for the first time
together since 2003. Mr. Liam Gunn turns 5. We love that
kid. He's a little monkey, but a lover at the same time.
Hope all is well with everyone. Cheers. Sal
- Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 17:24:06 (PDT)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comMessage to Brother Bill
Bill,
Your picture to me was anything but gloomy....I thought
you were very upbeat (musical pun intended) I thought you
were very positive, and determined to play again...you
sounded happy and greatful, and now you've gotten a couple
of job offers!...see, God is already at work ....I'm so
looking forward to hearing you play again...
Much love and with Joy
John
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 07:19:33 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netJim Nichols had a heart attack !
Hello family,
As most of you have heard by now, today, Saturday, October
27th at around 4:00 p.m. Jim Nichols had a heart attack.
This would be a good chance to take advantage of the
circle letter to get info to those of us who have easy
access to a computer.
Here are the details as we understand them right
now....keeping in mind that they have been handed down
several times, so they could be a little less than
perfect.....
Jim was at home and had some severe pain and was smart
enough to call 911.
Janie was away on a girls' weekend.
Jim was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Pontiac.
Poor Janie got the call when she was at least 2 & 1/2
hours away ! That had to be a horrible drive for her
getting to the hospital !
We just got a report from Nancy at 9:00 p.m. saying that
they were told that making that 911 call early
SAVED JIM'S LIFE !!!!!
He had a 100% blockage in the right descending artery.
He had a heart cathaterization, they found the blood clot;
removed it and put in a stent.
His other main arteries are 70% blocked.
He will need 2 more stents to be put in a few weeks from
now.
Right now he is stable; he is in intensive care, and will
probably be in the hospital for 5 days.
Please understand that I may not have all of this
accurately, but I'm sure someone will be able to clarify
everything soon.
I will continue to add any news that we hear until someone
closer to the situation is able to do more accurate
reporting.
In the meantime, let's keep Janie and Jim in our prayers.
Love,
Tom & Esther
- Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 18:38:02 (PDT)
Author: tomnesther@comcast.netSomeone Closest!!!
Hi Family...
Esther..that could not have been better if I had wrote it
myself. Thank-You for that (I love you)
Jim is still in the Cardiac Care Unit at St Joe's, but
hopefully, he will be moved to a different room tomorrow.
He is very weak and pretty much sleeps all the time, but he
is going to be okay. His whole lifestyle will be changing,
and that is a good thing for both of us.
Thanks to all of you for the love and the prayers and I
will try to write more tomorrow. I would love to talk to
everyone of you, but I am really tired and need to get some
sleep. We love you all so much!!!!!
Janie
- Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 16:35:18 (PDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.neta nice birthday present!
I think Janie has already updated you all since I talked to
her earlier in the day... I was going to come on to do it
for her but her letter sounds very accurate... although she
did say the Doctors told her that if things go like they've
been going... Jim will be able to come home on Tuesday or
the latest on Wednesday ( Janie's Birthday) so she said
that will be her birthday present!!! And what better gift
than that!!!
I, too, would like to thank EVERYONE for all their prayers
for Jim... I know that PRAYER is SO POWERFUL and with
the "fanning out" of our family and friends prayer chains I
can just about imagine the power storming the gates of
heaven on Jim's behalf... so THANKS again!
We love you all...
Mary
- Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 20:06:58 (PDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.com@#@ Happy Birthday Mary @#@
Hi Mary,
I bet you don't feel a day over 53 do you...(thanks
Dan) no really, all seriousness aside, I hope this is the
best day of your life, at least until tomorrow....Enjoy
your day to the fullest, eat a bunch of food (diet later)
enjoy the warmth of family and friends, I wish we could be
there with you to have some birthday cake...I love you!
Love and with Joy
John
- Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 06:03:42 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netMARY'S BIRTHDAY PRESENT
I just wanted everyone to know that Jim came home from the
hospital today. (it was a surprise for your birthday Mary)
We were thrilled when the Doctor let him go. He told us
that Jim is definitely not out of the woods yet, and he
needs to come back in two weeks so they can do the other
two arteries. What is so scary is that there was not a
whole lot of warning, and Jim had just had a stress test
and echocardiogram in the spring. So to all of my loved
ones....if you get any kind of chest pain...don't mess
around...get it checked out. My sweet Jim has been given
this incredible chance to get healthy, and I am going to
make darn sure that he does.
Thanks for all of your love...support...and prayers!!
We love you...Jim and Janie
- Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 10:23:59 (PDT)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netA Great present indeed!!
What an awesome birthday present for Mary and Janie!!! To
have Jim back home and on the mend. THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!
We are so grateful for the good news and answer to many
prayers. We'll keep the prayer up and thanks God, in
advance, for the success follow up on the other arteries.
Jim welcome home. This is a great birthday present, even
for those of us born in July!
Lots of Love, Tommy
- Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 13:36:46 (PDT)
Author: tstevens@visteon.com%%% Happy Birthday Janie %%%
Happy Happy Birthday Janie,
I said happy twice because I know you have a double
reason to be happy today....God is smiling down on you and
Jim...now you both are getting another chance at life...
(I'm so proud of you quitting smoking Jane) I hope Jim
will follow suit.....I know your day is wonderful already,
and that this year will be the best one ever.....If Jim
needs more time to recover, I know a quiet little town in
the deep south where he could relax, fish, and visit with
loved ones (I might get him to paint my truck)....I love
you......
Love and with Joy
John
ps. I think instead of telling everyone to eat lots of
food on their birthday, I'm going to start telling them to
exercise, go for a walk, only eat nutritional foods
etc.....
yeah right..
- Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 06:12:38 (PDT)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netJoyful Thanks!!!
I just want to say:
I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!!! How blessed are we???? I know
people who don't even KNOW where some of their immediate
family members are or if they are even alive, not from
dangerous circumstance but just not caring enough to stay
in touch... I seriously can't comprehend that and because
our family is SO loving and caring...it is easy to take it
for granted sometimes and I NEVER want that to happen!!!!
I heard from EVERY SINGLE brother and sister on my birthday
and even some of the nieces and nephews... what JOY my
heart felt! So I just want to say FIRST AND FOREMOST
~Thanks to the Lord for giving us parents like Mom & Dad
who taught is HOW to love unconditionally and second of
all... thanks to every one of you who've been so
supportive of me and my family... it's truly amazing!!!
I will keep you all updated as to our exciting news in a
few weeks!!
I love you with my life!!!!
Mary
- Thursday, November 01, 2007 at 04:53:30 (PDT)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comTHE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!
Hello All My Loved Ones:
First of all I want to wish Ben a happy 26th birthday from
the Godparents. It's kind of interesting that both my
Godsons are worship leaders. I'm quite proud of you both
(Ben and Cole).
Secondly, believe it or not, I heard my first Christmas
song this morning about 7:30 on the radio, "Joy to the
World" by Phil Driscoll from his album "Let Heaven and
Nature Swing". I think I sent a copy of that album to
you, brother Bill, several years ago; but if I didn't I'd
like to do that. (Also to anyone who would like it. It's
pretty cool.)
Speaking of Christmas, I want to tell everyone that
Orchard Grove Church will be having their annual, fabulous
Christmas program and Mary will be singing an awesome
rendition of "What Child is this". The program will be
Saturday, December 22nd at 6:00 PM and on Sunday, December
23rd at 6:00 and two performances on Christmas Eve, I
believe, at 4:00 and 6:00. Tom and Esther, make plans for
this if you can.
And I want to mention that Mt. Zion Hilltoppers are
sponsoring a catered full course dinner and an evening of
entertainment (of which I was asked to perform two or
three songs) on Saturday, December 1st at 6:00. They have
me billed as Doris Day so I guess I have to sing a Doris
Day song plus one or two Christmas songs. It will be held
at the Seymour Lake United Methodist Hall on the corner of
Sashabaw & Seymour Lake Rd. The cost is $15.00 per
person. If anyone is interested, let me know. I know
it's a crazy busy time of year but if you're looking for
something to do, it will be fun. Also billed is Paul &
Linda McCartney, Eda Jones, Little Anthony and many more.
Everyone around here and all over the country is praising
God for Jim Nichols speedy recovery. I know the entire
family will become more conscious of health matters. The
Lord has brought many of us through some scary times.
Where would we be without Him. He's our peace.
We're having Thanksgiving at the cottage this year. I
hope the weather stays over the average temperature for
this time of year. It's been so beautiful. So, all of
you have a blessed Thanksgiving; there are so many
blessings to be grateful for and answeres to prayers.
Love,
Nancy
- Sunday, November 04, 2007 at 11:03:01 (PST)
Author: bhnhr12@comcast.netOh there's NO PLACE LIKE HOME for the Holidays!!!
Hello my wonderful family~
Well... I can finally tell you all our exciting news!!!
WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! Some of you have already known that we
were trying but we CLOSED on this past Wednesday and are
now officially HOMEOWNERS!!!
We are very excited to get ready for the Holidays (you know
how Christmas is my very favorite holiday!) and Johnny and
Sarah are moving in with us and the house could not be more
perfect for the 6 of us to live in!!!
There are 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with plenty of room to
be "cozy" together or nooks and rannies when one prefers
to "get away" alone... and it is on a corner lot so that's
very cool...we have a lake association with a very nice
beach within walking distance so that will be awesome to
take the grandkids to...
SO I just want to say THANKS to ALL of you who've prayed
for this day to come for us all these years...it truly is a
dream come true!!! And I especially want to PRAISE Jesus
Christ because I believe with ALL MY HEART that HE HAS
HEARD OUR PRAYERS and has given this blessing to us!!! We
will continue to do everything we can to HONOR HIM with our
finances and our faithfulness... and to share our blessings
with others!!!
I am so excited to have you all over (at some point in time
soon) to see how creative Sarah Jane is in her decorating
ideas...and the 2nd best thing is that we are only FIVE
miles from Cole and Sarah and their kids and just THREE
miles from our church ...OH YEAH!!!
So thank you all again for all your support through the
years... I am the most fortunate person in the world to
have a family like ours...
ALL MY LOVE,
Mary
p.s.
for those of you who still may not know...Sarah and Johnny
are expecting again in May!!! Gramma and Grampa's heritage
continues on....
- Friday, November 09, 2007 at 05:04:22 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comI love a house with rannies!!
Amen and Praise the Lord!!!
No one is more deserving of this house than you
Mary...sounds so wonderful...big....and lake access! How
cool is that! I wish we could celebrate with you in
person!! A Christmas wish come true...(just in time too)
I love you!!
with Joy,
John
- Friday, November 09, 2007 at 08:30:17 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netI meant "crannies!"
Johnny ~
That made me laugh out loud!! I knew I must've spelled
something wrong... and sure enough.... But I just love a
home with rannies too!!!
Can't wait for the BIG Stevenson reunion...cuz then you
will be able to come and visit our new home ... along with
anyone else who wants to :)
I'll send pictures soon!
Love ~
Mary
- Friday, November 09, 2007 at 13:54:29 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comRannies!!!
Looks like I'm rubbing off on you Aunt Mary!! :)
- Friday, November 09, 2007 at 18:43:48 (PST)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comCongratulations What great news!
Mary,
Congratulations on getting your own home. What great news!
If I lived in Michigan, I would come right over and hang out
with you in the closest "Ranny" I could find, and then visit
with you for hours and hours.
I'm sure this will be one of the greatest holiday
seasons you'll ever have.
Love You
James.....
- Friday, November 09, 2007 at 20:04:23 (PST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comNew E-mail
Hello Family,
Jill and I have changed E-mails and since I don't have very
many of your E-mails I thought I would use this wonderful
letter to let everybody know what they are:
Dan-- Baileynspike@Gmail.com
Jill-- Jillbeans16@Gmail.com
What a great way to get a message out to so may people so
easily!!
We will gladly take any cute pictures, stories or just quick
hellos that this fantastic family has to offer.
Congratulations on your new house Aunt Mary it sounds there
will be many a holiday party hosted there!!
Happy Holidays to all,
We love you,
Dan, Jill, A. Grace and Lilly
- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 06:37:45 (PST)
Author: Baileynspike@Gmail.comApple Salad Recipe
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone have an exact recipe for Mom's apple salad
that we always had at Thanksgiving? Gerry gave me
ingredients (although I don't remember any onions) But I
thought maybe someone might have a detailed recipe
somewhere...we used to have one, but of coarse we can't
find it when we need it.....Thanks for any help
Love and with Joy
John
ps. Happy Birthday Dad!!
- Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 06:25:02 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netHappy 92nd Papa
James.....
- Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 09:59:50 (PST)
Author: Jis@windgifts.comapple walnut salad
Hey Johnny (or anyone else that can try to remember)~
I think Mom cut up apples (I think with the skin on but
I'm not 100% sure) and added walnuts, raisins, small bits
of celery, I don't remember the onions either... and then
she mixed it all with miracle whip to taste and I believe
that is all there was to it... but Miracle Whip was
definitely what made it taste sweeter..I don't think real
mayo would taste the same... so hopefully that is it...let
me know :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving day... I know
we ALL have LOTS and LOTS to be thankful for!!!! Can anyone
say Jim Nichols:heart attack survivor???
I saw a sign along the road the other day and it said~
"Hope this is your happiest Thanksgiving ever"
Well I know it will be ONE of the happiest Janie's ever
had and I know it will be ONE of the happiest we've ever
had (celebrating in our new house...)I can't wait till it
is all painted and finished ... I'm hopeful it will be
ready for Christmas~
We had great weather during the move and we are
about 70% moved in...we have till DEC. 1st to be totally
out of the old house and into the new place and I am
confident we'll be done.
SO ...once again.... I love you all and have a GREAT
upcoming holiday season!! Remember the reason....
All my love~
Mary
- Monday, November 19, 2007 at 21:10:56 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comLife's a Jolly Holiday with Mary
Thanks Mary, thanks Gerry, and thanks Janie for all
your help in getting this apple recipe...Janie sent me a
recipe for "Waldorf Salad" that sounds exactly like what I
remember...but we are probably going to try 2 or 3 small
bowls with different dressings, some with walnuts, some
with pecans (southern persuasion) some with onions...we
will give an official report after Thanksgiving....speaking
of thanksgiving, I saw a cool sign that read "The sure
cure for complaining is thankfulness" and I know we all
have much to be thankful for...God bless y'al real good
this week and forever...be sure to eat wisely and do plenty
of exercise..............yeah right!
I love you all dearly!!
with Joy
John
- Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 03:34:49 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth .netThanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all. We sure do have a lot to be thankful for, I'm
especially grateful and thankful to be part of this awesome family! Jim this truly
is a day to celebrate life, most especially yours this year. Thank you God for
healing him for us.
As I was praying the other day I came across the following verse, and tonight I
came across it again so I take it as my prompt to share it.
It is from 2 Timothy (a letter from St. Paul to Timothy) Chapter 1 vs 3-5.
Sub heading: Thanksgiving.
"I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors
did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. I yearn to see
you again, recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your
sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice
and that I am confident lives also in you."
How about that!? This thanksgiving I'm especially thankful for the sincere faith
that truly did live in "our Eunice" and I'm so grateful that this faith lives in so
many of us today, and is more and more shared. May it continue to spread!
Happy Thanksgiving, what a privelege it is to be "one nation under God!" and
have this awesome day. God Bless our family.
Love, Tommy
- Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 19:33:54 (PST)
Author: tstevens@visteon.comHAPPY 40th!!
Hello Everyone:
Just wanted to wish Jenny Palmer a happy 40th birthday. I
hope you're enjoying your special day. They say that Life
Begins at 40 and I'm not sure why; but you still look like
a kid to me and I know you have the energy of a teenager.
I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. What a feast
we had and we spent from Tuesday until Saturday at the
cottage in Caseville. All my kids came and this has not
happened for 13 years!! We had a ball and it might just
become a tradition.
Now the busiest time of the year is upon us and I pray all
of you are in good health as we celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It's funny how
many people want to remove manger scenes from public
places and yet Santa Claus is welcome. The only reason we
have Christmas is because of Christ. It is what it is.
I love all of you so much. It's been a wonderful year and
I can't wait til I see many of you next July at our 2nd
Stevenson family reunion!
God bless....Nancy
- Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 13:56:00 (PST)
Author: bhnhr12@comcast.netHOLY TOLEDO!!!! 40???????
Whoa... Jenny...40??? How did that happen??? Jenny should
be turning 26 or something... but then again... Cole will
be 33 on 12/12 and Danny Alex was born before Cole and
Danny was born when T & E's other kids were alot older ( I
remember no one wanted Danny to grow up from being a baby
because it was so much fun having a baby in the family
after so long!) So I guess that would kinda make sense
but ...MAN!!! Time sure is a flyin!
I believe it is Melissa's Birthday today too? Am I right?
Something makes me remember that there was an article in
the paper about Aunt Lizzie, Jenny and Melissa all having
their birthdays on the same day!!! How cool! Well... have
a very special day you 3 and happy 2 days late birthday to
Joy in Alabama... and to Star Barry that same two days
ago... you guys have all probably celebrated your birthdays
on Thanksgiving eh? I know Star did cuz I think he was
BORN on Thanksgiving... FUN!!!
so Happy Holidays to each and everyone of you!!!!I love you
all more than you'll ever know! (But it can't come close to
the love Jesus has for us!!!) I hope you will all find a
closer relationship with him this Christmas... Yes,
Nancy... He TRULY is the ONLY reason we celebrate this
season!
God bless us...everyone!
Mary
- Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 14:39:47 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comOur House...is a very very very fine house...
Well...
We are slowly but steadily settling into this new home of
ours and I have to say I am loving every second of it... I
can't believe it took us 36 years to finally be able to buy
one but now that we have it I am thanking the Lord daily
for allowing it to happen!!! To HIM BE THE GLORY FOREVER!!!!
What a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus' birthday...as I
feel this truly is a gift from God...trusting in Him and
seeking Him first... and in HIS timing He has blessed us
like I can't even believe... I vowed I would use this house
as a testimony to His Grace and honor Him with the
responsibility of it all... The Bible says to show
hospitality in your home and now We have a home we can do
that with ~ so just as soon as we are done with putting
everything in its place we will have you all over... maybe
a Bar-B-Q in the spring.... getting through the holidays is
all I can keep up with right now...there are still tons of
boxes and bags all over the basement! Unfortunately I
didn't get the GERRY gene that allows him to move into a
new place and have it look like they've lived there all
their lives in a matter of 2 or 3 days!!! But I'll keep
trying...purging as I go... at least now I feel like we
have room to move around so that I CAN purge!
I will try to send photos in our Christmas cards... that's
my goal any way... till then...I love you all so very much
and can't wait till the 16th!!!
Happy Holidays....to you!!!!
Love,
Mary
- Friday, December 07, 2007 at 15:01:28 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONY LUCCA!
Hello dear family:
First of all, Tony, I want to wish you a very happy
birthday. May the good Lord bless you during the coming
year and give you the desires of your heart as you delight
in Him. It's a great time to have a birthday with all the
excitement and anticipation in the air for another
birthday, the birthday of our King, Jesus.
And speaking of excitement, Mary, we could just feel your
joy and gratitude as you prepare for your first Christmas
in your long awaited home. You never gave up and you
always knew you would have your own "house" someday. It
will be a house of love and laughter and babies and
happiness. God bless all of you and we can't wait to be
invited over for a barbeque and a swim!
It's a beautiful, clear December morning here in Michigan
and I'm just sitting here thinking about how life has its
trials certainly from time to time...but by the grace of
God we always get through them and we have so many things
to be grateful for and so many wonderful memories. I wish
all of you a very merry Christmas and a year of prosperity
in every area of your lives.
I love you all so much,
Nancy
- Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 04:35:44 (PST)
Author: bhnhr12@comcast.netLooking for Lynna Holland & Andy Stevenson
Hello Stevenson Family,
I'm looking for my friend Lynna Holland, I am a Sign
Language Interpreter friend of hers from Portland, Oregon.
If any of you know where she and Andy are, please email me
at aslterpjoy@yahoo.com
Thanks so much!
Joy Anderson
- Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 08:02:10 (PST)
Author: aslterpjoy@yahoo.comBirthday?
Hey Aunt Nan- I think you are about SEVEN wks early there
on the birthday for Tony Lucca...
Love,
Lisa
- Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 09:47:39 (PST)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comOops-my bad!
Aunt Nan-
I stand corrected. It must be TONY V. LUCCA who in
fact does more than likely have a birthday coming.
Sorry,
PS Happy b-day, Uncle Tone!
Love,
Lisa
- Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 09:49:56 (PST)
Author: rockets23@embarqmail.comHappy Birthday to you!!!
Ditto on the birthday wishes, Tony~ You deserve the best
day EVER!!!!! hope it was wonderful! God bless you,
Love,
John & Mary
- Saturday, December 08, 2007 at 16:28:32 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comCrazy Weather in Alabama
Hi Everyone! I can't tell you all how nice the weather is
here in Alabama...yesterday, today, and tommorow all in
the 78-79 degree range... some locations got into the low
80's....it's only been this warm around 5 times since
1895...new record highs all 3 days...however it is
supposed to turn much colder Thursday and Friday, and then
perhaps some SNOW on Saturday night....although we have
not had any mesurable snow here in 7 years, we always get
excited at the mere possibility....meanwhile, I'm going to
just enjoy my lower power bill, and work outside with no
shirt on (just like summer) perhaps a campfire... take
the boat out?......hmmm....
I hope your Christmas time is so very special....I
love you very much, and wish we could all be together at
Mary's new house on Christmas morning...maybe someday!
With Joy
John
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:29:21 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netIT'S COLE'S BIRTHDAY!
Happy birthday to you; happy birthday to you; happy
birthday, dear Cole, happy birthday to you. May you be
blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places and every natural blessing here on earth...I think
that about covers it.
I heard your song "I Do" on the radio last Sunday morning;
how exciting that was. The disc jockey said, "What a
fantastic song for a wedding". Hope your day is great and
I wish you a grace filled 2008.
Wish all of you could be with us on the 16th for the 70th!!
annual Stevenson Christmas celebration. It all started in
1938. Merry Christmas to you.
Love, Nancy
- Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 03:24:50 (PST)
Author: BHNHR12@COMCAST.NETMerry Christmas Everyone!!
Dearest Family:
How true it is that God has continuously blessed our
family over 70 years. Yes, we have had plenty of trials and
tribulations but isn't it wonderful to know we can turn to
Jesus and He is always there to get us through rough times.
Happy Birthday to you Jesus!!!
I want to thank everyone for helping with the 10 year
memorial for Mom and the money for the grave blankets for
Mom and Dad. We found a beautiful heart shaped double grave
blanket with a red bow on the left side for Dad and a
Purple one on the right for Mom. It's beautiful!!
I have many people asking us for our new address so here it
is. Gerry and Kelly Stevenson 3114 Harbor Ct. Waterford,
Mi. 48328 and our phone number is 248-499-8980. I'm sorry,
I thought we passed this info on when we moved in our condo
last August. We so love it here and the neighbors are
great. It's been a challenging year for Kelly but she
venture's on and continues smiling and praising God through
each day's trials. We are looking forward to celebrating
Christmas in our neat little place too. We are so thrilled
for Mary and John and hope to see their new place during
the holidays. God Bless us everyone!! Brother(Uncle) Ger
- Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 17:08:14 (PST)
Author: GerryandKelly2@aol.comTODAY IS MICHAEL'S BIRTHDAY!
It's another December birthday! Happy birthday to you,
Michael. It seems like only yesterday we were at your
30th birthday party. It certainly is a wonderful life and
you are a special part of it. Have a great day however
you spend it.
Love, Aunt Nancy & Uncle Brian
P.S. Tom and Esther, your Christmas card says it all. We
just loved it!
- Friday, December 14, 2007 at 04:04:10 (PST)
Author: BHNHR12@COMCAST.NETbirthday thoughts
Mike~
I thought about it being your birthday all day~ Did you
have your birthday lunch with your 1st grade teacher? Hope
it was a great day for you!!!
And Nancy you are right~ I LOVED Tom & Esther's card
SOOOOOOOOOOOO much!!! It is perfect!!! We should all be
wantin' to go to the party :)
See all you Michiganders in 2 days...Woooo Hooo!!!
Love,
Mary
- Friday, December 14, 2007 at 19:20:14 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comMy Kindergarten Teacher
Thank you all for the Birthday wishes. Mary, I will be
having lunch with Mrs. Montagano in about 90 minutes for the
38th year in a row !! We have never not had lunch together
on or near our birthday since we started in 1969. We now
actually get together many times throughout the year. She
never had kids and she now treats my kids like they are her
own Grandchildren. Just a strange side note to this story.
When we took Julia to her first day of Kindergarten in 2001,
we had Mrs. Montagano come with us. When we introduced her
to Julia's teacher, we asked her just for fun what her
birthday was. April 10th. Sure enough, that is our
Jessica's Birthday too ! So the next year when Mrs. LaPointe
became Jessica's teacher, we started the tradition with her
too ! They have had lunch together on their birthday every
year since 2002. Pretty cool. Look forward to seeing
everyone tomorrow and I'm sure I'll be lavished with many
very expensive gifts for my birthday. Excellent !!!
Love to all,
Mike
- Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 07:38:44 (PST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.comA quick note from Captain Obvious
I thought I would note that my own daughter's birthday is
actually April 9th - not the 10th. . That's a great way to
score points with my Jessica. Oops !!!
Mike
- Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 07:57:53 (PST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.comDecember 18, 1986
Amidst all the Christmas celebrations, today we pause to
remember Dad and Grampa with thanksgiving in our hearts to
have had such a fine father and grandfather...unselfish in
so many ways. We treasure our memories and I personally
think of how amazingly talented he was and the musical
legacy that has been passed down by both Dad and Mom.
Some sweet day we will all be together again...worshiping
our creator and savior.
With my love and blessings to all of you at this awesome
time of the year. Nancy
- Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 04:33:30 (PST)
Author: bhnhr12@comcast.netwe missed you Canton area families!!!
We sure missed Tom & Esther's crew that couldn't make the
Stevenson family Christmas party... hope you are all fine
and now we can't wait till next year's party...
Sarah and Johnny want to have it at our house!!! They
think it can be done so we have 12 months to figure it
out... I know Nan & Brian mentioned a cool place in Ann
Arbor but hey~ if we did have it at our house we wouldn't
have to pay for a hall... so what do you think?
- Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 08:40:24 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comP.S.
by the way... some other feedback on this year's party is
that there was NO MUSIC!!!! I am sure Grampa Stevenson was
wondering the same thing??? A STEVENSON party just isn't
the same without music and all of us singing Christmas
carols... so can we pick up that tradition next year?
I miss Grampa and Gramma the most at Christmas time!!!!
And what better way to honor them than with all of our
talents... so let it continue next year...
Merry Christmas to all of you~ I love you with my life!
Mary
- Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 09:27:50 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comMemories of Dad
As I'm living out my life with all it's twists and turns
(with only 2 kids) I'm constantly amazed at what (and I
have to imagine) dad went through..I mean with having kids
from newborn thru 20yrs, plus 10 others inbetween, and
everybody having their own set of circumstances and
situations....how in the world he kept from going off the
deep end I'll never know....Although we were all perfect
children, the stress of having 12 perfect children should
have been enough to do him in.....I remember waiting for
him to get back from Detroit so we could go on the
boat...when he got home, mom would make him some lunch and
we'd have to wait some more (not even thinking he'd been
up since 4:30am)...but wasn't it fun when he'd push
himself away from the table saying "ALL RIGHT"... you knew
it was time to go....and what patience! He'd pull everyone
who wanted to try and ski again and again until they'd got
up....I bet we could write a book about how amazing dad
was, and how much he did for each and every one of us...I
miss him a lot! Like Nancy, I too wish you all a very VERY
Merry Christmas, with the emphasis on Christ. There used
to be a song out called "I wish you Jesus" it's a song
about wishing you good health, good times etc etc but at
the end of the song the singer says but I wish you Jesus,
because when I wish you Jesus, I've wished you EVERYTHING!
With Joy!
John
- Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 14:10:26 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netI know what you mean...
Johnny~
That is all so true... in fact Just yesterday I was outside
in my NEW driveway and my neighborhood reminds me so much
of Perkins that it brought back a flood of memories and how
much we took Mom & Dad for granted...( can it be helped???)
What they both went through to raise us and "be there" for
us... I never ONCE felt slighted.... never... everything
always felt right! The sacrifices they made~ and they were
so good at it that of course we took it for
granted and didn't even realize we were doing it.. ...there
was never any grumbling to make us feel
like~ wow what a sacrifice... but NOW when I think back I
wish I could be saying this to their faces and hug them so
tight so they would KNOW how much it WASN'T taken for
granted ... how THANKFUL we all are for EVERYTHING they
ever did...I can only pray they DO know now ( in heaven)
looking down on us... I sometimes feel like I get these
little "visits" from them like when Janie coughs in
church ...it's Mom... or Nancy's or Sally's inflections in
their tone of voice when they say my name...
or their laughter...I hear Dad in Gerry's and I hear Mom in
my sisters... it's incredible... and I miss them sooooo
much too... especially at Christmas...
Well... I pray everyone that can come will be blessed by
our church Christmas program... it is really going to be
great!!! Cole and John and the rest of the team have worked
so hard and tonight it really showed at the dress
rehearsal... I am so excited!!! go to orchardgrove.org for
tickets (THEY'RE FREE!!!) but you need one to get in early
otherwise you have to wait till 10 minutes before to get
in... I can't wait for you all to see it!!!! The graphics
are superb and the music is awesome...
I love you all~ I pray you all have your best Christmas
EVER!!!!
Mary
- Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 20:55:24 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comA Christmas proverb
Hi everyone!
great stuff aunt mary and uncle johnnie. choked me up a
bit. great memories. i feel bad for the young people in
our family who weren't blessed to be around gramma and
grampa (i wonder why i always say gramma first?).
many of you know this but my wife's uncle was our priest
growing up (St. Patrick's parish in Union Lake). total
coincidence. he is monsignor Bob Humitz and is now
retired.
he sends us a christmas card with an update of his year
every christmas. i wanted to share his parting words
because i thought it was so well worded:
"as a ballooning friend of mine once said 'any landing is
a good landing'. so, any year you make it to the end is a
good year. Christmas gives us a time to appreciate all
that is given to us. especially, God coming to be one
with us to teach us how to accept our humanity, no matter
how fragile or broken. it is His love for us that enables
us to love and accept each other and make Christmas what
it is really meant to be and the world a better place to
live. i wish you the best in the new year, and that it
will be a year in which we end all war and experience the
Peace of Christ that we celebrate on these Christmas
days. Merry Christmas!"
he'll be at our house Christmas eve and I always greet him
and say merry Christmas Uncle Father Bob!
- Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 08:41:43 (PST)
Author: Loubou@firstmetro.orgToday's news in Maryland!
Baby Katie Buck got her Drivers permit today! I cannot
believe that she is that old or that Mike and I are old
enough to have a driver!!
She is very excited!
Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New year!
We are hitting the High Seas with Mickey Mouse tomorrow.
Sure hope Santa finds us!
Love to all-
Kathy
- Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 15:34:54 (PST)
Author: kathysmarshall@comcast.netMerry Christmas
Merry Christmas to each and every one of us from the Great
Stevenson Family. Now, go back to the Circle Letter home
page, look at the picture of Grandma and Grandpa, smile,
then close your eyes for a few and listen and picture in
your heads of all the great Christmas's we all got to share
with them. Every Christmas was special with them and we all
get to keep that memory with us for eternity. We love and
miss you both very much !! OK - now go to the picture and
do what you are told. And split your pops !!!
Love, Mike
- Monday, December 24, 2007 at 21:25:30 (PST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.com%*%*% HAPPY NEW YEAR %*%*
Good Morning Everyone,
Or perhaps Good Aftertoon, or maybe even Good Evening,
either way, I hope all of you had a very happy, very safe
New Year celebration!!! My prayer is that 2008 brings us
new beginnings, new adventures, and more than anything
God's blessings on everything we do... 2007 sure had it's
challenges for all of us, but also had it's share of
blessings... (Branson).... I wish you all the very best
today and everyday this year...enjoy food, family, and
football....
God Bless Y'all
with Joy!
John
ps. Can't wait to see you all again
- Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 05:23:30 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netGood Afertoon???
Way too much hot sauce last night....
Once again with much love
and Joy
John
- Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 05:29:14 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netNevermind
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.net Happy New Year!!
A very Blessed and Happy New Year to all!
Love to you all Tommy and the ret of the Plymouth 6!
- Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 07:41:40 (PST)
Author: tstevens@visteon.comyes... way too much hot sauce :)
Hello this very fun and loving wonderful family of ours...
Johnny~ I just want you to know I am having a wonderful
aftertoon in and around all the rannies of our home...I
love you and I enjoyed the laughter of funny mistakes again!
Happy New Year to everyone... May God bless us and bring us
closer to Him in 2008...
I love you all!
Mary
- Tuesday, January 01, 2008 at 12:46:59 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHappy New Year To All
Let me add my wishes to all y'all (hope that makes you feel
better this aftertoon John) for a great New Year.
Our Christmas was fantastic because Matt, Amy, Liam and
Lochlan and Andy and Rhea were here to share in the
happiness of all being together.
We had a get together at our house Christmas Eve with Bob &
Diane, Kelly, Don and Payton along with John & Char Dirks
and some other friends. That was a lot of fun too.
I hope all of your holidays were equally happy.
Meanwhile, on another subject.... If I haven't talked to
you about it yet, I just wanted to let everyone know I'm
having another major joint replaced (get your mind out of
the gutter Mike Stevenson). I go in to have my right
shoulder replaced next Monday morning. The doc says I'm
just one of those unlucky guys born with an overactive
arthritis gene. And to think when I was young all I worried
about was going blind. : )
Again, have a great 2008 - and for those of you back east -
try to stay warm.
I love you all.
Dan (and my wonderful nurse, Nancy)
PS Terry, Your CD is great! Thanks a million!
- Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 00:03:01 (PST)
Author: gorecop@aol.comthanks for the info
Dan~
Thanks for the info about your shoulder....I am sure we
will All be praying for a SPEEDY recovery.
We love you!
Mary
- Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 04:48:10 (PST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comWill you play better golf with a replaced right shoulder?
Hi Dan,
I know how much pain you were in before hip replacement
surgery....is this just as bad? Will they be able to
install small hydraulic motors on your new shoulder so you
you can hit the ball 600 yards? The Alabama bunch will be
praying for complete success, and you'll be playing golf
before summer....
Love
John
- Thursday, January 03, 2008 at 14:19:43 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netAAADD Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder
This is how it manifests.
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in
the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs
washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on
the front porch table that I brought up from the mailbox
earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I put my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the
trash basket beside the table, and notice the trash basket
is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table
and take out the trash first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mail
box anyway (and the mailman picks up the mail at noon) I
may as well pay the bills first. So I take my check book
off the table, and see that there is only 1 check left. My
spare check book is in my desk in the study, so I go
inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke
I'd been drinking earlier this morning.
I know I am going to look for my check book, but
first I need to push the Coke can aside so that I don't
accidently knock it over. The Coke is warm, so I decide to
put it in the refridgerator to make it cold again. As I
head toward the kitchen with the can of Coke, a vase of
flowers on the dining room table catches my eye....they
need water.
I put the Coke on the dining room table and
discover my reading glasses that I have been searching for
all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I'm going to put more water in the flowers. I
set the glasses back down on the table, go to the kitchen
sink to get a jug and fill it with water and suddenly spot
the TV remote on the window sill. Someone left it there.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that
it is on the window sill, so I decide to put it back in
the living room where it belongs, but first I'll water the
flowers. I pour some water in the jug, but spill some on
the floor. So I set the remote back on the kitchen table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down
the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
-the garden is still dry
-the car isn't washed
-the garbage hasn't been taken out
-the checks aren't written for bills
-there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the table
-there is still only one check in my check book
-the flowers don't have enough water
-I can't find my glasses
-I can't find the remote
-and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done
today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all
day, and I'm really tired now.
GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL
LAUGHING AT YOURSELF IS THEREPEUTIC
Pretty cool huh...
with love and Joy
John
- Saturday, January 05, 2008 at 07:38:27 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netAAADD
Wow. Lately that is just about every day of my life. And
I'm only 32!!
- Saturday, January 05, 2008 at 15:49:25 (PST)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comUncle Dan's Major Joint
Here's hoping all went well for you Uncle Dan !! Also, I
don't know if I think all this talk about AAADD is all that
funny. I'm sure all of us have had that condition a time or
twelve. Oohh ! I think I see a piece of chocolate..............
- Monday, January 07, 2008 at 17:35:01 (PST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.comThe Gratitude Campaign
Hello Family,
Jill's sister, Jenn, sent this e-mail to me and I think it
is a very cool way to show your support for the troops when
you might feel awkward or didn't say thank you and wished
that you had (that has certainly happened to me). It is a
sign language way to say "thank you from the bottom of my
heart". Check out this link and next time it might not be
so hard to thank them.
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php
Love you all,
Dan
- Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 08:07:31 (PST)
Author: Baileynspike@gmail.comslight correction
it says on the website for the gratitude campaign that it is
not an official ASL sign, so those who use sign language may
not recognize it as "thank you from the bottom of my heart".
They ask you to only use it for service men and women and
not those who use sign language to communicate.
Still love you all,
Dan
- Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 08:23:13 (PST)
Author: Baileynspike@gmail.comVirtual Detroit
I found this really cool website with old photo's of
Detroit...the easiest way to get there is type virtual
detroit into the search engine...something like
dlxs.lib.wayne.edu will come up... just follow prompts to
see all photo's in the collection....type in Precious
Blood or Mercury theater, or any number of pictures of old
Detroit you want to see .....it's a little difficult to
get to, but the picture of the Mercury theater looking
down Schaffer is amazing you can see Wrigleys,
Woolworth's, A&P, Cunningham's, Federal's, and even the
drug store across 6 mile road...the PBS photo's show the
sanctuary before all the murals were added....I'm sure
there are plenty of photo's y'all might want to see as
well......enjoy!
with love and Joy
John
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 07:35:14 (PST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netHappy New Year / The Family Site is moving!
Happy New Year to everyone!
This is a heads up note. The family circle letter is moving now to:
http://stevensonsite.windgifts.com/photoalbum/
We've decided to stop our service with Sonic.net due to their prices not being
competitive relative to what service they can provide.
Who will be the first person to add to the newly moved letter?
As another note I hope Uncle Dan's joint replacement surgery went well!
Love you all,
-Scott
- Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 01:20:55 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comThat would be me!!!!!
Hey Scott....thanks so much for this site. I am sure that
it is a lot of work keeping it up, but what a blessing it
is to all of us. There are not too many families that can
reach everyone with just the push of a button. I am going
to send out emails to the people who do not get notified of
new letters so they will all have the new site address.
Thanks again and we all love you....Janie
- Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 04:27:24 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netThanks Scott
Wow. Everything just seems so different here !! Just
kidding. Scott, thanks for all your work to keep this
website going. Is there a chance you could work your magic
to have Deb and I notified when a new letter is posted? We
have not had this for a long time now. Please let us know if
that is still possible. Hope all is well with all the
extended Stevenson families. Uncle Dan, please let us know
how your 6-Million Dollar Man operation turned out. Also,
does anyone have any information on the new rumor that
Britney Spears and O.J. Simpson are dating ? Yes, those two
would be magic together. Just curious.
Mike
- Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 14:46:41 (EST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.comCrazy
Mike....
I love your humor!! I love everyone else in this crazy
family too. Cheers,
Sal
- Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 19:34:36 (EST)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comImages? Let this be a test
Well now that the site is hosted on this better service provider we're going to be
able to do more so let's try and start with adding images!
From where did I take this photo?
![]()
-Scott
(I'm going to be working on this image system and I will let everyone know how
to add their photos, very soon! )
- Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 04:18:41 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comHEAVY SNOW WARNING
Hi Everyone,
I thought you might get a kick out of "snow madness"
that happens in Alabama whenever it snows (1st time in 8
years) We are under a heavy snow warning, with possible
accumulation of 2 or more inches. The major ABC affiliate
is going to be on the air full time all day to keep us up
to date on the "Alabama Freeze of 2008" You probably
can't find any bread or milk at any store...people get so
silly here...this snow will be gone tomorrow (high of
45)....I'm really excited about being able to put photo's
on the circle letter..this will really bring us even
closer....Thanks Scott..... 30 hits already not bad!
Love and with Joy
John
- Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 07:28:40 (EST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netScott~ YOU"RE AWESOME!!!!!
Holy Toledo, Scott...I 'm so excited about this new site I
can hardly stand it!!! THE EIFFEL TOWER looks amazing from
that perspective... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Love,
Aunt Mary
- Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 08:07:42 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comPICTURES? YEAH!
Scott,
We agree with Mary- pictures will be a great addition to
this site. Hopefully this will be the boost everyone needed
to participate on this site! Thanks again Scott!
- Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 09:58:37 (EST)
Author: debstevenson@wowway.comScott you da man!
Scott, this is awesome. Please let us know if there are costs to keep this site up
I'd be glad to help you out as I'm sure many of us would. As the commercial
says this site is "priceless'!!
We' are all doing well in chilly Michigan.
Carly and Sophie are off to Washington DC this coming Monday to participate in
the March for Life with their schools, along with about 300,000 of their closest
friends! Please keep them in your prayers, as they go to voice their support and
pray for life for the unborn.
Hope all is well with everyone. Love to you all, Tommy and the crew from
Plymouth.
- Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 19:12:26 (EST)
Author: thomaspaul@wowway.comI agree Tommy
Tommy,
I could not agree more. This new site is amazing and after
I saw it it occured to me that someone is paying for this
great way of communicating and after all of these years it
must have been Scott.
So knowing Scott he will probably not tell us what this has
cost him over the years and what it will cost him now.
I, too will be happy to support this web site so BRING IT
ON SCOTT.
Come on Scott, unless you are filthy rich we need to all
help out.
I have been reading all of the letters for the past couple
of months and I cried and laughed and thanked GOD for being
a part of this family.
I hope that 2008 will keep all of us healthy and happy.
THANK YOU AGAIN SCOTT for all you do for us.
Uncle Bob
- Monday, January 21, 2008 at 15:56:12 (EST)
Author: bodikel@cox.netWho will be the first to try out the picture system?
Greetings again everyone!
Ok, I've implemented the image system so now there is a button that says
"Upload an image to add to this letter" from the contribute page.
If javascript is working (and your computer allows a javascript popup
window) then once this button is clicked a small window will open that allows
one to upload an image. Once an image has uploaded then there will be a
"letter code" that is printed. This letter code has to be included in the text of
the letter in order for that image to appear.
Like so:
![]()
(This is myself with James and Chitomi's boys -my nephews- JT and Joseph
on top of the Eiffel tower during their visit this past summer).
Please bear with me as we work out the details for the good functioning of
this new system. I'm pretty sure there will be some kinks to be worked out
and I'm hoping to get some input about the system. I'll do my best to
implement logical improvements based upon folks' suggestions.
Here's to this great letter (which is now in its 10th anniversary).
Love you all!
-Scott
- Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 21:28:20 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comIt's me this time!!
I just wanted to be the first!! Here is Gracie and Lilly's
1st school picture together. I can't believe that Lilly is
going to be 2 tomorrow!!
We love you all,
Dan, Jill, A. Grace and Lillian
[img
width=640]/photoalbum/uploadimages/general/116246114306_0_SM.jpg>
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 07:32:54 (EST)
Author: Baileynspike@Gmail.comWell I tried
Trust me everybody it is a very cute picture. My kids don't
really look like a line of letters. Not sure what happened
Scott. I copied and pasted the letter code and it showed up
in the preview (not the picture, just the code). Should the
picture show up in the preview also?
Love you,
Dan
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 07:43:22 (EST)
Author: Baileynspike@Gamil.comImage upload fix
Ok Dan, thanks for being the first to try out the new
system! I believe I've fixed the error that caused that to
happen. Yes, the preview should show the image as well!
Here's your picture:
![]()
This picture's pretty small. I suggest people upload photos
that are at least 640 pixels in width (this one
is only 79, but very cute mind you! :-).
Try another?
Love you,
-Scott
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 08:30:31 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comOH, SCOTT, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOU ARE THE MAN!
Hurrah! You did it! This is the greatest change since you
started this circle letter.Thanks to Tom and Esther too for
starting the original binder hand written copy. For any new
family members yes there is an even earlier edition written
by hand that was given or sent by mail in a binder. The
trouble with that was some people kept it way to long before
adding their letter and giving it to the next brother or sister.
This is so much better Scott because any family member can
add anything at any time. And now with photos it is the
cat's meow.
All of our family is happy and healthy and working hard.
Zip was in Paris for a fashion show and is now coming back
from Italy after meeting some business partners. His web
site is
http://www.htcamerica.com/products.html
Notice all
the countries he sells to now.![]()
This is Scott with my art at a group show at The Coati City Hall
Love,Suzanne
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 16:35:46 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comClueless
I have not a clue why that title came out like that.
Love again, Suzanne
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 16:40:06 (EST)
Author: ladywithart@gmail.comFirefox test plus another picture
Not sure why but Firefox adds those odd characters to the
title. I think I've cured that... this will be a test of it.
Here's a picture of Star and Jennifer with Zip and Liz's two
girls Flora and Sophie taken this past Christmas in Los Angeles:
![]()
This letter was written using the Firefox browser.
Love,
-Scott
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 17:23:41 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comHow about some video a la YouTube?
How about some YouTube video action?
I took this video last November at the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles
where I took James, Chitomi, Jatomis, Joseph and Sammy for the evening. The
Tesla coil they had on display there was most impressive!
This is going to be a bit more complicated to implement/explain but I thought it
would be cool to fully bring the family website into the 21st century.
The basic skeleton for this is in place (which is how I've added this video) but I
need to draw up a good explanation/incorporation into the site.
I'll have more updates on this video business soon. ;-)
-Scott
- Monday, January 28, 2008 at 22:35:32 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comTo My Wounderful Family
Hello My Dear Ones,
So much has changed since writing the first Circle
Letter so many years ago. When this letter began many of you
were not even born yet.
It started at the suggestion of Esther and Tom.
How exciting it was to begin this letter.
What a adventure for us all.
The excitement is back and in a new and vital way.
The history of our family. How exciting!
You'll see.
Scott's upgrade to the Circle Letter has Blown Me Away.
Just for the joy of it, I am posting some picture to the
letter that should bring a smile to most all of us.
I'm not exactly sure how to post the pictures I'd
like to send you, so I'll send them one at a time.
The first one is of our hero
SCOTT
I love you all so much the words can't say!
James.....
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 13:38:39 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comSCOTT
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 13:48:35 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.com
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 14:03:21 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comScott's Picture
Wow Uncle James, Scott seems REALLY pale in your picture.
Almost can't even make him out? Scott, great job on these
changes, the bugs will get worked out. Thanks again for
keeping up with it!
Mike
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 14:59:07 (EST)
Author: Mike@stevensonsignaturekitchens.comHow about a picture Mike
Hi Mike
How about a picture. Like a family picture.
Love you!
Uncle James [:-)>
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 15:30:42 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comOk, testing 1.....2.......3, sorry about all of this testing!
Well I had a look at the picture my dad wanted to put on the
letter and it is a rather odd and poorly lit photo of me...
so here's a funnier shot of Zip and Liz's Flora and myself
taken last year.
Enjoy! :-)
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window.
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 17:38:48 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comLast test (I hope!)
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
Anyone recognize this place? I took this photo this past summer.
:-)
-Scott
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 18:26:06 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comAll the bugs worked out (I believe!)
Ok, I think I've got all of the bugs worked out.
I can see some folks have managed to upload some pictures but they didn't get
posted in a letter (probably because of the work I've been doing). If anyone
who's tried to upload an image needs a helping hand getting it into a letter then
please don't hesitate to drop me a line on my e-mail address below.
It is going to be so great to be able to see everyone's pictures! ;-)
Love,
-Scott
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 18:47:17 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comThe Birthday Girl is 2!!
although if you ask Lilly, she is 1,2,3,4,5
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 21:25:18 (EST)
Author: Baileynspike@Gmail.comOne more time with fee'ln I give you ( SCOTT )
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 23:03:55 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comYea its working! How about "The Vancover Family Bus
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 23:13:23 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comLast Letter revieved from Ma (Grandma)
One of the most poignant letter I ever received,
(Suzanne, Jerry, Zip, Scott and Star and myself) was from
Mama (Grandma). It is seen below!
I miss her a lot and I miss You a lot.
Love you all.
James.....
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
- Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 23:34:38 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comA Picture from Andy's visit + letter archival
Ok, I've just archived a major portion of the circle letter (everything prior to
about Sept. of last year). With that I have a question, how many of us are still on
dialup? I haven't been limiting the size of the images that people can upload (up
to 5 megabytes) figuring that the majority of us have broadband access now. Am
I right in that assumption?
I'm noticing that there's a number of images that people have uploaded that
have not gone into letters (ie: Possibly a picture of on of Dan's children, Lou
Boudreau + Kathleen, another shot of the twelve sisters and brothers maybe
taken in Branson, shots of a beach and youngster, two boys in a chair). If
anyone needs help with the letter codes needed to be typed in corresponding to
those images please don't hesitate to say so here or otherwise let me know.
Another shot for the letter. This one is of Dan and Nan's Andy when he came for
a visit in 2006:
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
Ok, looking forward to seeing more pictures like the "Lulu shot" Dan added
(she's adorable Dan).
Love,
-Scott
- Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 23:29:00 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comAh, that was the problem!
Ok, after hearing from folks via e-mail I believe I have found (and fixed) what
was blocking people from contributing a letter.
To those who previously had a problem please accept my apologies for the
frustration at not being able to add a letter. I was afraid there'd be kinks to work
out (and there probably will be some more). Please try adding a letter again!
Also, someone uploaded an image of Mattie Rand's family. Who was that?
With much love,
-Scott
- Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 09:40:42 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comguess where we are?
i'll give you a hint.....sticking with scott's paris
theme, it's in france. kathleen isn't smiling for a
reason. quite a place. the other picture we are in miami
for new years and she is smiling, for good reason.
love you all,
Lou
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
Click here to see this image full size in a pop-out window / tab.
- Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 12:09:37 (EST)
Author: loubou@firstmetro.orgCircle Letter Website Support
Hi my great big wonderful family!
Just to let you know, my shoulder replacement surgery was
a complete success. Now begins the painful (but necessary)
therapy process. So Star, are all P.T.s sadists or just
the ones who work on new shoulders? : )
Now the real reason for this letter.
Many of us have tried to get out of Scott and/or James
some indication of how much maintaining this fabulous
website is costing him/them.
Obviously, that information has not been forthcoming, so I
am taking matters into my own hands.
Here is my proposal.
I will coordinate a 50-50 Raffle with 500 tickets being
sold. Half the money will go to Scott and/or James, the
rest will be divided into four prizes:
First: $100.00
Second: $75.00
Third: $50.00
Fourth: $25.00
Tickets are $1.00 and you can buy as many as you like. : )
Cutoff date is March 1 and the drawing will be March 15.
If we do this twice a year, that should help defray some
of the website expenses as well as Scott’s time.
Please make the checks/money orders/stock
certificates/trust deeds out to me and mail them to 14201
N. 14th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85022.
Make sure to let other family members who don't have
access to this site know that they have a chance to win
big bucks and help support the SFCL at the same time.
If you have any questions, call me at 602-309-8279,
otherwise I'll look forward to all those checks rolling in.
Love you all,
Dan
- Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 17:47:02 (EST)
Author: gorecop@aol.comWhat's a musical family without music?
Ok, so now I've gone ahead and added the ability to upload MP3 audio files.
They will play in the letter via a media player if Javascript and Flash are
enabled.
Below is an example. This is a piece of music entitled "Cohabitation" that I
created a year or two ago using Apple's Garageband software:
Get the Adobe Flash Player or enable Javascript / Flash to see this player.Click here to download this audio file (or right click and select "save as").
I've updated the upload system to allow for audio uploads but I would kindly
request the folks refrain from uploading non-authorized copyrighted audio.
Using this same system we'll be able to upload videos directly to the website
as well. What I'm hoping for is to hear and see some old family recordings
(ie: Grandpa playing the piano) as well as stuff that individual family members
have recorded recently (or otherwise).
Re: Costs of this website. This is a slightly complicated story. Essentially my
dad has been paying for the family website. Web hosting was a sort of
"bonus" of being a Sonic.net dialup and/or DSL subscriber. Sonic.net allowed
80MB of web hosting at no additional charge beyond the monthly internet
subscriber fees (which has been $52.95/mo for years). Sonic.net is primarily
an ISP (Internet Service Provider) so while Dad has been paying it was not as if
he was paying separately for the circle letter hosting... it just came in Sonic's
package deal.
So what's changed?
Well Sonic.net was charging too much for a lower level of internet service and
Dad could get a much higher grade of service with Comcast cable internet for
somewhat less. I encouraged my dad to drop his service with Sonic to get the
better and less expensive service but in so doing we also concurrently would
lose the hosting service. So that is why the Family website is now hosted
here. So if folks are wanting to contribute anything towards the nearly 10
years that my father paid Sonic then I would suggest you take that up with
him. Going forward I have so far paid the expenses for this new hosting
service. I signed up for a two year plan that worked out to be about $142.00
total (so far).
Uncle Dan approached me via e-mail about helping out and I responded that
I wasn't sure if we should try to seek donations for it given the effort that
that would take. That said I like Uncle Dan's idea but if we're going to go
forward with it I'm wondering if we should just try to set up something with
Paypal (or similar) to facilitate the whole thing and make it easier for
everyone?
Anyways, I hope that clears up some of the financial aspects of the Family
Website story.
To end this addition here's another picture. This is Joseph and I in Venice (I
took the boys there while there were visiting me here in Paris):
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Love you guys and I'm really really looking forward to
seeing/watching/hearing more from everyone here!!!
Love,
-Scott
P.S. Lou, you and Kathleen look so great! Too bad I didn't see you guys when
you were here in Paris! In the Miami photo I couldn't help but notice your
phone... I've got one of those too... jailbroken and unlocked. ;-)
- Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 22:08:26 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.com50/50 Raffle
Hey...I love the idea of a raffle!!! Remember how much fun
it was when we did it back in 2000? This way...everybody
can donate what they want...get a chance to win...and Scott
and James will be reimbursed for the YEARS of lova that
they have provided to the family!!!! Count us in..Dan, We
will send a check out to you. Jim is doing real good in
his cardiac rehab. He does not like the stairmaster, but he
knows that all this excercising is going to help his heart.
I just have to make sure that he keeps it up after his
rehab is done.
Love to you all!!!! Janie
- Friday, February 01, 2008 at 05:26:47 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netOOPS! (love)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.net Ia lika Lova betta...noa whata ia meana!
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.net TAA-DAA!!!!!!!
Hi All!!
Through alot of dilegence and patience on Scott's part...I
think I can finally upload pictures on the Circle letter.
One of the the pictures needs no explanation and the other
one is of two of our grandsons. The one on the left is
Nathan (Gary's son) and the one on the right is Kaden
(Sally's son). They are going to be good buddies. Keep the
pictures coming!!! Love you and thanks Scott!!!! Janie
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Friday, February 01, 2008 at 08:51:32 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netIt was me...
HI Scott~
It was me... Aunt Mary and I 'll wait to hear from you on
whether or not it can be uploaded again or not... It was a
photo of Gramma Mattie and her brothers and their families
including Dad ( Grampa Stevenson) at age 2 and aunt
Dorothea at age 10 and her brother Billie around age 3 or
4 (I'm not sure)... but what I need to try to upload is a
photo of THE STEVENSON SIDE~ Great Great Grandma Ada &
Great Great Grandpa Ira Stevenson with their two children:
James Ira Stevenson and Cora ~ James Ira was the father of
our Dad James Willis (DAD of the lovin' dozen) I will try
to upload it today...It's a very cool picture and you can
see the distinct eyebrows that have come down through the
generations (ie. Uncle Billy,Aunt Sally Jean, Ami Jane)
so ~ wish me luck! Anyway... if you think about it Ira
and Ada are GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT Grandparents to
Natalie's baby girl Ryanne...isn't that Amazing? But what
is even MORE amazing is that I have another picture that is
from the Stevenson side that I got from Aunt Cora's
daughter Marilyn Whitman,that has Aunt Cora's Mother ADA
(married to James Ira Stevenson) and ADA'S Mother,ADA'S
GRANDMA and Ada's Great Grandfather so if my calculations
are correct...going backwards from Baby Ryanne
THAT'S TEN GENERATIONS!!!!
HOLY COW!!! HOW AMAZING!!!!!
So~ depending on the correct size of photos needed I will
try to add them SOON!
I love you all~
Mary
- Friday, February 01, 2008 at 11:26:14 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comHang in there Mary Post the pictures!
Hello everybody,
Mary, hang in their and post those photos you
spoke of in you last Circle Letter.
Below is a photograph of:
Grandma (Great Grandma) LeDuke (seated), Aunt Vivian,
Mama (Grandma), Aunt Virginia, Aunt Bernadette,
and Aunt Lucille.
Sally and Tony has the original print.
I love how the Circle Letter is coming thank to Scott.
Love to you all.
James
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 13:07:03 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comGetting into the swing of this!
Well it sure is great to have a look at these photos and scans!
I've gone through some old photos of mine and came upon some I thought
would be a pleasure to see here, so I scanned them.
This first is of Grandma and my dad when she was visiting us in Santa Rosa for
the last time. Unfortunately it's not one of the best pictures of Grandma but it is
still special given the significance of it being taken when it was:
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
This next one is of TJ, Sally and Ami who were out to Santa Rosa for Star and
Jennifer's
wedding. This picture was taken in Jennifer's parents' backyard:
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
I have much higher resolution scans of these images if anyone'd prefer to have
them. Just let me know.
I've scanned a bunch more and I'll put them on the letter little by little.
Love to everyone!
-Scott
- Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 18:03:03 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comOh, one more!
Here's a picture from Star and Jennifer's wedding reception at Trentadue winery.
This is Kelly, Ben, Jeff, and Gerry:
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
Even though most of us know who everyone else is I'm labeling images with
proper names so that others who may be less in the know can have an idea at
who they are looking at.
Once again with love ;-) ,
-Scott
- Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 18:24:00 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comspend hours of time on the telephone line...
Hi everyone !! I love all the action going on with this
thing!! I love all the pictures and I can't wait to send
one. I'll get into it I promise (my bad).
Dan, checks in the mail. Gerry, you looked great at
Stars wedding you handsome man you. I love you all. Take
care. Cheers Sally xoxox
- Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 20:11:50 (EST)
Author: sallyjlucca@aol.comNeed 50/50 Feedback!!!!
Hey All...there was not too much feedback about the
50/50 drawing that Dan is going to handle...Does everyone
like the idea?
- Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 15:16:22 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.net50/50 Feedback
Hi Janie,
Happy Febuary.
I mailed my check today. Suzanne mailed her check a few
days back. [:-)>
Love you.
James.....
- Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 16:17:26 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.comSHIVER ME TIMBERS....
Shiver me timbers things have changed on the Good
Ship "Circle Letter"
I thought you all would enjoy a photo of Jennifer and I
after running the worlds largest and craziest foot race in
San Franciso called "Bay to Breakers" We plundered and
pillaged the 8 miles with 15 other pirates...
Love Jennifer and Star
PS: Nice work Dad and Bro.
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 18:14:10 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comOn dial-up or prefer to not have images load? Try this :-)
Here's an alternate view of the circle letter for those who are on dialup or would
prefer to have the circle letter load faster (perhaps because of an older slower
computer as well). Bookmark the following link:
/cgi-bin/letter-hide-images.cgi
Hope that helps!
Love,
-Scott
- Monday, February 04, 2008 at 18:46:13 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comUNNAMED PERSON
Hi Star,
Who is the unnamed person in you photo?
Papa [:-? >
- Monday, February 04, 2008 at 22:30:43 (EST)
Author: jis@windgifts.commisplaced photos
James~
It was great to talk to you tonight... I must tell you that
I can't find my box of photos in all the still unpacked
boxes in the basement but this ...I promise also that one
of Ora Beck and Husband that looks just like you!!! The one
we brought to Branson... It's after midnight and I am a
crazy person right now cuz I need to be up in 7 hours!!!
Love you all~
G'night!
Mary
- Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 00:20:08 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comScott you are indeed... the Man!
What a great option for any of us who are forced to use
snail internet....the circle now loads fast as ever, I
can read the letters, then click on any photo's I want
without having to wait for all the photo's (all the
photo's since day 1) to load every time....someday we'll
join the 19th century and have fast internet, but in the
meantime I'll try to keep up!!!
Thanks so very much Scott
with love and Joy
John
- Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 14:01:51 (EST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.nettesting
Hi this is a test..when I wrote my last letter it only
posted it to the version of the circle with
photo's.....I'm trying again...
John
- Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 15:05:42 (EST)
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.netDisregard last posting
Author: jjnk@bellsouth.net Another picture, plus a question?
So continuing on with photos I've scanned. The following is mainly of my sister
Beth singing during the time of Grandma Eunice's wake (I believe the date on
the photo is off). There's also a bit of Bill to left (likely on Piano) and my father
James in the background playing a bass guitar.
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
So now I have a question. With a number of the uploaded photos displaying on
the letter weighing in at more than 1 MB (megabyte) in size most if not all of us
have noticed the letter loads a bit slower (poor uncle John could hardly even
access the image filled letter before I made the alternate viewing application
/cgi-bin/letter-hide-images.cgi ), what I am wondering is if folks
would prefer if the main letter didn't automatically load the images but rather it
would require a click in order for them to be viewable individually?
I'll take your responses on the air ;-) .
Love,
-Scott
- Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 20:59:07 (EST)
Author: netscott+circlet@gmail.comYou may have created a monster!!
O.K. so the lusty pirate wenches in the my prior photo
below were my wife Jennifer Ogne-Stevenson and the left
and me cousin Star Stevenson (youngest son of oldest
brother James Stevenson) and on the right is my wifes best
friend from Florida Chis Uttenriether. Essentially a
scurvy sandwich of salty dog meat...
This latest "1000 words" are Jennifer and I atop Mt.
Whitney in California, the highest mountain in the
CONTINENTAL USA. This shot was taken minutes before the
first snow storm of the season set in, causing a little
panic that Jennifer did not know about until we got back
to basecamp!
I prefer the photos embedded in the text but a clickable
option is cool as well.
Anybody else notice how amazingly beautiful grandma is??
Stunning! People can't imagine how graceful, elegant and
angelic she was. Miss her.
Love Star
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Tuesday, February 05, 2008 at 21:16:46 (EST)
Author: starstevenson@hotmail.comPhotos
Scott...it does not matter to me one way or another. No one
should be in a hurry when they read the circle letter :)
Star...you are absolutely adorable. You SO have that
Stevenson wit. Love you guys..Aunt Janie
- Wednesday, February 06, 2008 at 06:57:09 (EST)
Author: jimnjane@comcast.netYour vote counts!
LOVE THE PHOTOS! I vote to keep it the way it is.
Sometimes there may be a wait but I use that time to look
up email, etc. Here's my contribution, classic!
Click here to see the above image full size in a pop-out window / tab (or right click and select "save as").
- Wednesday, February 06, 2008 at 20:15:10 (EST)
Author: erindell@hotmail.comHere it is, James! :)
Hello James and everyone else...
Here is the photo I said I would send ...I hope I get it
right ...plus a photo of Gramma Mattie and Grampa Stevenson
( all you grandkids they are your great grandparents) I am
still looking for the 9 generation photo so bear with me...
I love you all!!!!
Mary
ps
this is SO FUN!!!!!!
- Wednesday, February 06, 2008 at 22:26:39 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.comwhat am I doing wrong?
Ok ~ what's up?
I will call James and find out!
back in a minute...
love,
M
- Wednesday, February 06, 2008 at 22:29:16 (EST)
Author: jamg1971@aol.com