Hope everyone has a good holiday week end.

Thanks to all the vets and all current military.

The Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force with the American Eagle. Taken at Andy's Liquor

Spencer & the Red Bull Mission

KAAL (Austin) had a news story about the Red Bull Mission on...........you can read/view it by going to www.kaaltv.com and look for the story about Citizen Soldier (in fact there are two stories ). Spencer is part of the Red Bull unit.

Spencer will be home sometime Friday, then he will get ready to leave Monday morning. Michelle and the children may/or may not see him for a couple days mid July. He is gearing up to start the one year deployment.

family reunion

Since I put the original post up, I will decide from what I have heard. The reunion will remain the last Saturday in June at the Lanesboro Park. Hope this continues to work for the majority.
Alan, if you can please be there early to hold the shelter. I'm one of the closest but usually the last to arrive. I think it is the last name!!! Hope to see you there!
Ann

Thank You

Thanks to all who called and sent cards to wish me a Happy Birthday. We didn't do much in the evening, spent the evening at the Family Fun night at Holy Family Church in Kasson. Michelle invited us to go with her and the children, Alex and Jordyn also joined us. Was not a big turn out (the first time they have had this event), but the children got lots of prizes and had fun.

If you get the Rochester Post Bulletin, did you see the cousin's picture on the Main Event page

family reunion

Hi everyone
What is everyone's thoughts on a summer reunion this year? I understand Dale and Barb are gone June 25 and Bob and Julie are going to Alaska this year. Do we still want to plan for June 25 or go for July 2 or another weekend? It does not matter to Roger and me. And are we going with Lanesboro again this year? Again that works for us. Please reply with some input and let's make some plans.
Ann

A SPECIAL BLESSING

As most of you know, Spencer will be leaving soon, this is the last full week end he is home. And it has been a busy week end for the Stevens' family. Dakota had a dance recital on Sat afternoon, and Zachary made his First Communion on Sun morning. At the end of the Mass, Father Paul had Spencer come to the front of church and invited Michelle and children to join him. Father Paul said a beautiful blessing for Spencer and the family and then invited all the children (the children making their First Communion) to touch Spencer with their blessing.

It was very touching. I know it's not a very good photo, but it was the best I could do. Spencer received a standing ovation with everyone clapping. Spencer, our prayers, thoughts and best wishes are with you.

Handsome Boys and First Communion

Sunday, May 8 was First Communion Sunday at Holy Family Church in Kasson. Zachary and Logan made their First Communion, and aren't they handsome young men?

Zachary was very excited to carry the wine to the front of church.

And look at this handsome young man with his beauty of a Grandmother. She looks so proud of him.

Take time to enjoy the flowers

Be like Norrie and stop and enjoy the flowers.

Christmas Hayes Get Together 2011

At Mom and Dad's anniversary gathering in February, there was talk about reserving Christ the King church for our Christmas gathering this year instead of American Legion in Kasson.

I have been waiting to hear back about the rental cost and have talked with the office this morning.

Father Paul and the church have agreed to let us use the hall FREE OF CHARGE because of Spencer's deployment and the hardship that our family will be under for the year and especially the holiday season. This is totally above and beyond anything I ever expected from the church. I would like to offer them something...just don't know what. Maybe we can make Thank You cards that day - craft for the kids and adults??? I'm open to other ideas.

We have reserved the hall at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron on Saturday November 26 from 9:30-4:00.

Menu - do we want to keep with tradition and do Soups and Sandwiches???

THANK YOU!

Thank you everyone for the kind words of support for both Spencer and me! It brings tears to my eyes everytime I read them, hear them, and think about them.

I am so blessed and thankful to have an awesome family that supports and love us! It's going to be a hard year - the kids will miss their daddy terribly and it will break my heart to see my kids hurting. But I know that with all the support and love, we'll make it through and build the strength in our love and relationships even more!

Thank you everyone!!! Words just can not express our sincere gratitude to each of you :)
Michelle

Dance....

Dakota has her last dance recital this coming saturday - May 7th. Jordyn is also dancing. Doors open at 4:15. Show starts at 5:00. Tickets are $5 adults and $3 children at the door....$1 off for presale tickets - I can purchase them anytime this week. If you want tickets - let me know. When the doors open at 4:15 - it's a mad rush for seating....just so you know....Dance recital is at Kasson Mantorville High School Gym

Sewing Project

I've been on the lookout for some fleece fabric deals and buying up the remants at Joann's when ever possible. Here's what I'm making....solid side of fabric has a military pocket sewn on it and the other side is a patterned fleece fabric.

I'm calling them pocket pals - making them with pockets from the military uniforms and fleece. The kids will have someplace to keep a photo of daddy while he's gone :)

Michelle

News

I just watched KTTC noon news and I saw Spencer (an interview), Michelle, Zach and Dakota. So if any of missed it, try watching it this evening at 5, 6 or 10 this evening. Or if you have KAAL, Michelle, Spencer and Zach were interviewed this morning also, so hopefully it will be aired this evening. Spencer did an awesome job for KTTC.

Thank you Spencer for serving........

and Thank you Michelle and children for supporting Spencer in his choice to serve his country.