Prayers Needed

Hi Mary,
Hope all is well. I need a favor from the family. I need prayers for Pandora's brother-in-law. I am enlisting the most powerful people I know along with anybody that can pray.
Pandora's brother-in-laws name is John Marra. His birthdate is May 29th and the name of his cancer is CNS Lymphoma. John is 57 and the father of two. The town they live in is Belmont, California. John was diagnosed May 11, 2008. After treatment last year his symptoms receded. John's symptoms have returned and he is undergoing chemotherapy. This is a rare, aggressive cancer and at this point a miracle is needed to save his life. I've heard miracles can happen. Love, Mike and Pandora

Life is Good!

So sorry I haven't updated this since Christmas....I guess I got attached to facebook, and haven't been here since then.

I am in sunny Sedona, Arizona Having a great time with my friend Bonnie. I flew in on Monday and stayed the nite with my cousin Darleen. She and her friend Cathie drove me to Sedona on Tuesday a.m. and we all had lunch with Bonnie before she headed back to Phoenix.

On Wednesday we did some grocery shopping and did Ashes at 2:00 in the afternoon and then looked for a bathing suit so I could do water aerobics on Friday. On Thursday we hiked to Bell Rock and layed around and read for the afternoon and went to a movie at the Film Festival which didn't start till 9 p.m.....so it was a late nite. Then on Friday a.m. we went to water aerobics and really got a workout. They don't stop moving in the water for a whole hour....I was a little stiff last nite, but don't feel too bad today. Then last nite we went to a 7 p.m. movie and it was really good...the nite before was kinda amaturish vampire movie....last nite was really great in comparison.

Today we came to the library so I could use the computer and then we are going to hike someplace this afternoon. Tomorrow we have the last movie to go to...as it is the last day of the festival.

So life is well for me, loving the warmth and sit in the sun as much as possible. m

Greetings from Snowy Minnesota

I wish a Blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year to all.
Some prayers are still needed for Neva, Richards wife who is still in intensive care, Jackie is having lots of health problems, Frank could always use your prayers....and I hear my brother Bill could use some prayers too! I sure hope each and everyone of you have as good a 2009 as I had in 2008. Thank you all for your Christmas cards, greetings, phone calls, and gifts. I truely have already had a blessed Christmas. Love and prayers, Mary

Christmas Wishes!

December 2008
Dearest Family and Friends,
As I watched “Charlie Brown Christmas” again, The Reason for the Season, hit me…the reason I’m here, the grace of the newborn child…then I found a Christmas card that read “our joyful songs, our humble hearts, our grateful lives…may these be the precious gifts we bring to lay before the newborn King.” And it was reinforcing to me how grateful I am for my health and my wonderful family and friends who have brought me through this year. Last December I wondered if I would make it through the year and here I am today so happy and healthy, that I know only God’s grace could have gotten me here. I had such a wonderful year. In March I spent 3 weeks hiking and healing in the warmth of Sedona and the company of a dear friend. Then in May I spent the month roaming around Switzerland, Austria and Germany with my sister Kathleen and her husband Gary. We made our cousin Karen’s home as our base and really enjoyed the warm hospitality that was extended to us. Her family was so fun to be with. In June I returned to a newly remodeled cabin that my kids had worked so hard to finish before I returned to surprise me! It was so wonderful. I loved it so much that I spent most of the summer there and rewarded them with a new speedboat for waterskiing in late July. Then this Fall, I traveled to Georgia and visited Joe and Sandi, on to Florida where I saw Jim and Linda Zimmer and then onto New Orleans where my friends Bonnie and Lois met me and we spent a week touring the town. Right after Thanksgiving I drove down to Naperville and watched the grandkids while Tom and Karen were in New York on business. So you see…life is short and I’m enjoying it while I can.
My family is also doing well, Tom and Karen are still both in “shoes” and their children Emily 15, Kennedy 8, William 6, and Presley 2 are such a joy. All active, Emily in Color Guard, Kennedy in Brownies and Soccer, William in Hockey and baseball, and Presley in being smart and cute!!
Bill and Kim are both busy working, Bill luckily from home and Kim at a Pain Clinic in Coon Rapids. Their children Katie 12, and Tommy 11 are also busy, Katie is now playing hockey along with her cousins and also ran cross-country quite successfully this fall. Tommy is active in cub scouts and plays soccer and baseball.
Annie and Doug have had a big change with Doug leaving Federal Cartridge to work for Jimbo. Annie is still teaching and coaching, and they both help with the girls’ sports. Nicole 13, Allie 11 and Matthew 3 keep mom and dad hopping. Nicole is playing hockey right now, but is also involved in soccer and a cross-country runner. Allie is also on the same hockey team as Colie and Katie and played soccer and softball this summer. Matthew is a real boy and into Cars and Trains and is just as cute as can be.
Jimbo and Ann, also haven’t let any grass grow under their feet. Jimbo and his partner have purchased their third Tires Plus. This one in Eau Claire, Wis. Their boys Jack 16, and Nick 12 are getting so old. Jack turned 16 a few weeks ago and got his drivers license that day. Nick was thrilled to be on the Coon Rapids National Little League team that went all the way to Indianapolis for the Midwest championship and played on ESPN in the final game only to lose to the Dakota’s. Jack plays baseball and football and Nick ran cross country this fall as well.
Grandma keeps busy trying to watch each of them participate in their chosen sports or activities. It’s hard to make them all, but I do my best. They are all smart and good looking, and I’m not saying that because I’m the grandma…they really are! My life is so blessed by them all.
Don’t forget the “reason for the season” and have a wonderful New Year.
Love and prayers, Mary

Happy16th Birthday Jack

and good luck on the test!!! Drive carefully, Love Grandma

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I was in the midst of baking the buns for late last nite when my oven quit. I guess everything else will have to be in the microwave or on the stove. Thank God I have an electric roaster for the turkey. I don't know what I'll do for bread. What a dumb thing to happen. Hope your dinner turns out! and pray for mine. Mom where are you now? m

Greetings from Georgia

Hi, I'm in Athens, Georgia staying at the Schieber (Biltmore) Bed and Breakfast. Their cooking rivals the Switzerland Bed and Breakfast I stayed at in May, and also Kathleen's husband Gary's. Loving it here, they play a mean "Spinner" but I managed to beat them anyway once!!! I'll be in Destin, Florida on Wednesday evening at childhood friends Jim and Linda Zimmers. I hope they can compete with the family. Then on Friday I drive to New Orleans to stay at a time share with Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke, friends I worked with and have traveled with of late. See you soon. (Well those who live in MN) Love ya all!!! m

Ann Kiecker turns "40" and Doug Stalboerger "41"

We celebrated Ann and Doug's birthday's last nite....but Ann really has till Sunday to be 39. They share November 9th for their birthdays. Happy Birthday, I love you both. I wanted to get this posted before I left for my big trip. I leave this afternoon for Atlanta to visit Joe and Sandi for five days....then Jim and Linda in Destin Florida for a couple days...then I meet Bonnie Sass and Lois Bjerke, my traveling buddies in New Orleans for a week. I won't be home till November 21, so see all you family and friends then. Love ya, m

First Communion

Sunday, November 3, Thomas Karl Kiecker made his First Communion. Picture of Tommy with his family (Bill, Kim and Katie). Guess I didn't have my camera on the right setting....cause this is a little blurry....maybe someone can email me a better picture. m

Trick or Treat!

Jimbo has a halloween party each year for his nieces and nephews (no parents aloud)just grandma....and you must wear a costume! We watch "It's a Great Pumpkim Charlie Brown" and eat and just have fun. Of course the evening ends with pumpkin pie!!! Thanks Jimbo a great time was had by all!! Happy Halloween everyone! m

As You See, I'm Doing Great

Good Friends, Good Food and Lots of Laughs is aiding in my recovery! I have had several dinners out in the last few months, joining with many old friends and some new ones too. The doctors can't find anything wrong with my health and have even removed two medications from my list. I'm down to two and one is for allergies....so I am happy about that.
We closed the cabin last week, which was sad, but I'm sure the winter will fly by with travel, more dinners, much more laughter and my great family...and I'll be back at the lake enjoying life. Thanks to all who have joined in my healing. Love ya all, m

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!!!

William is 6 today! Hurrah!!! Hugs and Kisses from Grandma

MY BABY is 40 Happy Birthday JIMBO

Love you so much, and thank you for all you have done for me this last year! mom

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Matthew is 3 today! Hip Hip Hurrah!!!

I'm PERFECT!!!

Hi, been a while since I wrote about my personal life....so I just thought I'd let you know that I went to see my surgeon today, and he said I was "Perfect". I have been feeling good, and feel stronger all the time. I have an appointment to see the surgeon who did my surgery 12 years ago next week, and I expect he also will tell me that all is well...But it is really nice to hear every now and then that you are perfect. I guess I have been spending too much time with my sister....she is the perfect one. Sorry Kathleen, but I just couldn't help it!! Love you all and thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers and I know I am only perfect because of all of you. m

Happy 17th Anniversary Jimbo and Ann

Hope you have a great year just like the last 17. Love ya lots, mom

Happy Birthday Nicole

Oh my gosh....a teenager!!!
Colie Rose is 13!!!

I couldn't find one good picture of Nicole by herself....so I had to put three pictures in the blog. Katie one of her cousins and Matthew her little brother share the limelight. Happy Birthday Nicole...Love ya lots, Grandma K

Happy Anniversary Bill and Kim (14 years?)

Hope you have a happy day and that it continues all year long! Love ya, mom

Happy Birthday Tommy

Tommy on right


Tommy Kiecker is 11 today September 3, 2008 Happy Birthday, Love Grandma

First Day of School

Just a reminder....that I'm retired and getting old! Ann sent pictures of Jack and Nick this morning as she has taken pictures of the boys the first day each year since they started school. Jack is in 10th grade and Nick in 7th. Nicole and Katie also are in 7th grade....Emily in 9th or HIGH SCHOOL, Allie in 6th grade or Middle School.....Tommy who just celebrated his 11th birthday at the cabin (but it's really tomorrow) is in 5th, Kennedy in 3rd, William is just starting Kindergarten....boy Matthew had to go back to day care as Annie went back to teaching, and Presley is stuck there too! I got to sleep in...which I did till 8:15.
I am feeling great and looking forward to Fall...which is right around the corner! m