Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Family Story..... Hydrangea "snowball bush"

These are very old flowers. I know they have been around since I was a child. We called them "snowball bush" It is my understanding they have been in the Americas since they were brought here in the 1700's from England. I think they were native to gardens of Japan for many hundreds of years before that. I also know the name "snowball bush" is applied to several plants, the Japanese, Chinese and European "snowball bushes", which are all Viburnum varieties. Today people are falling in love with them all over again. Lots of my neighbors have them in their gardens. Many remember hydrangeas from their childhood as well. If any of you read Nicki's blog you would have seen several pictures of the pastel colored blooms such as the one below. I borrowed 2 of her pictures. Hydrangea bloom
When we lived at 3312 Duncan there was a very large "snowball bush" in the front of the small white house. We were always instructed not to "pick" the flowers. They were to stay on the bush. One day the family was dressed up waiting for a taxi, these were the war years we had no car. Charles (had to be 3 or 4) and I (I had to be 6 or 7). We were in the front yard waiting for the cab. Charles was bored and he picked a snowball bloom. Our Dad was upset with him and said he had to hold the bloom on the stem until it grew back. Charles tried and tried to balance that bloom on the bush. He was afraid if he did not get the bloom back on the bush he would not get to go in the taxi. I began to feel sorry for him and I tried to help. We really did not hear the "rest of the story" until years later. Our Dad was inside peeking at us and enjoying our frustrated efforts. He was about to come out and rescue us when the taxi came. I don't believe Charles ever picked another flower. Note: to view news and pictures of my Hickox Grandkids click on http://7redzinmotion.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 25, 2010

Violet in Seattle with short term mission team

Today we started our first day of work. It was an incredible day here...sunny, 76 degrees, and a slight breeze. We started with breakfast bright and early at 7:15. Then the students all had their devotions and quiet times. After that, they packed their lunches and we headed out to the work sites.

Violet is on the left.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Violet gets special permission to go to prom

Pretty Violet
Violet and her date, Dave "O"; he is one of Alan's (Rachel's finacee) younger brothers.
Home School Prom
Note: to view news and pictures of my Hickox Grandkids click on

Kiefer graduation from Kindergarten

Class celebration Kiefer and Principal Bach
Kiefer and teacher Ms Harbin
Kiefer and Preston
Kiefer and friend Emily. She has chosen to marry him but he says they are just friends.
Kiefer and Douglas
Kiefer and the Boys Note: to read news and view pictures of my Hickox grandkids click on http://7redzinmotion.blogspot.com/

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Nicolaas 8th grade graduation

Nicolaas surprised Gpa Nick was there. Advancing forward to receive his Honor Medal Those in the Honor Society are asked to stand. Those on the Honor Roll for the Year 2009-2010 Nicolaas receives his 8th grade graduation certificate from Principal Mrs Traub
Nicolaas and friend
Nicolaas standing with the mascot Pirate with his "booty" Honor Roll Medal, Graduation Certificate, and plaques for Student of the year in Art and in Industrial Technology.
Vice Principal Mr "G", Nicolaas and Principal Traub
NOTE: to read and view news about my Hickox grand kids click on http://7redzinmotion.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Look who I found on flicker on the internet? Katie and the Maifkeng Mission Team

ROOIGROND, South Africa — As they step out of vans, a cold wind greets the student volunteers from the University of Louisville and Clemson University in the United States and Northwest University in Mafikeng, South Africa. Dust, kicked up by the wind, coats their teeth and settles onto their clothes and skin. Charged with the task of breaking barriers and sharing Christ with the Setswana people, the 16 American and nine South African students begin unloading their soccer equipment for the day’s events. Meagerly dressed children come running from every direction, thrilled at the chance to play soccer with the volunteers. The students turn and embrace the descending crowd of children, each child clamoring for attention and love before the clinic begins.
(I put the internet captions under the pictures. Katies comments from her emails and a few of my comments are in italics. I had to search for Katie, there were about 60 pictures)
Student volunteers have some down time after a day of ministry and running soccor clinics in villages nearby. photo by Evelyn Adamson
Katie on the right with her hands in her face. -granny
A village boy recounts the story of the Gospel using the colors on the soccor ball. Photo by Martha Richards.
Tomorrow is the last day of the soccer clinic. We will be giving prizes to the kids including the soccor balls we used for sharing the Gospel. We will be sharing with them one more time. we will be showing the match tomorrow night at the church and will be giving testimonies at half time.
Katie in the pink hat has a child hanging on her back. - granny
South African and American student volunteers intercede to God on behalf of the Setswana people in Rooigrond = a small village on the outskirts of Mafikeng – photo by Martha Richards We had a good hour of prayer about the week to come and then some worship time with Mosa who plays the piano awesomely and many great singers!
Katie second from the left. granny Katie Herrmann, a student at the University of Louisville, visits with South African villagers after a Sunday worship service – photo by Evelyn Adamson we went to church at the village this morning. it was such a blessing, I have never experienced anything like that before.
A volunteer mission team consisting of students form Clemson University and the University of Louisville in the U S and Northwest University in S A. - photo by Martha Richards Thank you for all of your prayers. Less than one week left! God is doing great things!
Pray for health, working of the Holy Spirit, and that I would be able to see needs
Thank you for the sweet, sweet encouragement. I will try to email you when I can. I will be missing you! Thanks for all of your prayers. Katie is 3rd row on the left = leaning over in the dark sweater. granny
If you wish to see more pictures go to mReport.org You will have to copy and paste it is not a live link. granny

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Ella 4 We must get all the family members pictures with the new baby, Right?

Bethany and Ella and two uncles - Aaron and Jordan Ella and her elephant - Isn't she beautiful? Happy Momma taking Ella home in her bonnet smocked by Granny Jo. Our princess carriage awaits. Grand-dog Abby welcomes Ella home. Abby missed the grand dog picture gallery in an earlier posting The two Stopher babies. Cousin Rachel cradles Ella.
Great Uncle Nico and Cousin Nicolaas
Great Uncle Gary
Smiles on both faces. Great Aunt Janine and Ella
GG-Pa and Ella. You would think after 5 babies of his own, 18 grandchildren and now a great grandchild he would know how to hold babies. Or maybe the photographer just wanted the top of Ella's head to show what a beautifully shaped head she has.