Arizona Momma & Poppa

This picture was taken on Father's Day, and I can't think of a better place to spend it! I had a GREAT time visiting with my folks in Tucson, Arizona. It was too HOT (above 100 everyday topping out at 109 degrees) so that left us plenty of excuse to just "be together" inside where it was cool!! I miss them already and can't wait until Emilie's wedding so I can see them again. These are the people that gave me roots and instilled the importance of family in my every being. Thanks Mom & Dad for everything...life lessons taught well, allowing me to go all by myself to a church camp in Jamestown, North Dakota where I first truly met Jesus Christ, visits with family in Nebraska and Colorado, hugs and kisses, military adventures to far off lands, stories from your past and an example of a life of servanthood! I have learned much from you both! I will love you forever!!!

Engagement for Emilie & Logan

On May 18, 2010, Logan Ross Hoffman asked Emilie Kate Schrock to marry him. Here they are telling us their engagement story. Emilie thought Logan was still at Princeton finishing up his first year at Seminary, but he actually finished up early and snuck into town so he could surprise her, and surprise her he did! He sent her a text telling her to read their blog which outlined their journey as a couple. At the end of the blog, he told her to meet him at the park where they first talked in depth and he says he knew right then he wanted to date her. He planned the whole thing to take place at night so he could set up luminaria along the side walk. What he didn't know is that there would be a track meet that night and the field lights were so bright it was like daylight. He said he was really nervous, but had to proceed with the plan because he had already texted her telling her to read the blog. When she got there, she stepped out of the car into a water puddle, and the lights immediately turned off! Logan said it was almost like he clapped his hands right on queue! Logan and Emilie are planning a wedding for May 2011.

Favorite Photographs of 2009

These are my two favorite photographs of the three eldest grandchildren. I wish we had more opportunities for "cousin times", and I cherish the times that we can all be together!

Ari is our youngest grandchild. Here he is pictured laying in the bouncer on a quilt that the Aunt's (Linda, Bonnie & Joyce) made when I was pregnant with Ben. I used this quilt with all of our children when they were small, and I have carried on that tradition with all of the grandchildren that come to my house as babies!

Moses, or "Moshe" as we sometimes call him is a very happy little guy! We were blessed by having his presence in our home for the first three months of his life. Watching him in the early months brought so many memories back of when our children were small!

Haley is priceless in this picture! She is the rose between the thorns as the only grand-daughter in this team of boys. However, don't be fooled. She may appear to be quite shy, but she can hold her own!

These are my favorite pictures of Daylen for a couple of reasons. We lost Clancy, our beloved Australian Shepherd in the fall of 2009 and this was probably one of the last series of pictures I took with Clancy in the picture. He loved to go on walks with us. I also love this exchange between Poppe and Daylen as they walk north on the road toward our house.Daylen thought he would run in the corn and hide from me, but I found him anyway! He is wearing the blue jean jacket that Marlin wore as a young boy! It was handed down from his Colorado cousins so it has been worn by several Schrock kids including my own. They don't make clothes like they used to, do they?? And...let me mention by the way that it was American made!!

This is Alex in the apple tree in our yard. Every little boy needs an apple tree to climb, don't you think?

Generational Visit

In the summer of 2009, I drove my father and mother up to Ben's so we could take pictures and visit for the day. Ben & Monica live in Chesterton, IN in the northern part of the state.

Ari Lee Schrock

In January, we added Ari Lee Schrock to our brood. He was welcomed into this world by his parents, Joe & Mallory, and his big brother, Daylen. He looks a lot like Daylen, but has a personality all his own! It is going to be so much fun watching the "brothers" experience life together!

Moses Levi Schrock

In October 2009, we added Moses Levi Schrock to our fold. He was welcomed by his Momma, Julie and his Poppa, Curt.

Moses began his life in Marion, IN but now lives with his parents in Warsaw, IN.

SCHROCKAPALOOZA EXPLOSION!

Looks like it's been a year since I've added to this blog. We've seen a lot of changes in our family in the past year! We now have five grandchildren and they are the joy of our lives! I guess you could say that they are the gift that keeps on giving! The five are Alexander Dale (Age 4 1/2), Daylen Samuel (Age 3 1/2), Haley Ann Marie (Age 3 1/2), Moses Levi (Age 8 mo.), and Ari Lee (Age 5 mo.).