Joanne and Steve

I liked these pictures of my sister and brother in law!

 A nice glam shot!

 Steve's 'Where's Waldo' impression.

Trent Pictures

My nephew Trent decided to cooperate with me and let me take some pictures out on the dock one day.  He's quite the model!

Michigan!

We made it!  Both to Michigan - and finally to a location with internet connection!  Don't get an iPhone if you live in Casnovia.

I've gotta be quick - we're having way too much fun to sit here and write too much.  But, thought you might enjoy some highlights.  And, first among the highlights is getting to see Ryan again!  Oh yeah.  And everyone else!  Hahaha.  Here's two of my favorite people together again.

Joel seems to be having a good time.  He was pretty happy when I took this picture.

Oh my.  Ryan has had quite an adventure so far.  He even got to get into a life jacket and take a ride with Mom on the pontoon boat.  I think he was a little confused by the life jacket.. and it was a little much for the little guy to be riding around with so much wind blowing in his face.  But, he did pretty good for his first ride.  And the lake was beautiful at sunset.

Grandma Elsie made the 'bloggin' again!  Way to go grandma.  We love you.. and it looks like you enjoyed the boat ride as well.

Loved this glamor shot.  She sure is game to play along.

Here's one of my very cool nephews, Troy.  He's gotten so much bigger and more mature in the last year.  And, he seems to love the jetski.

And here's a quintessential Joel picture.  He cracks me up - and I'm so glad he's here and has a chance to play.  We missed him last summer!  

I can't end this without a picture together with Ryan.  It's rewarding to be around family on vacation.  No place I'd rather be!  More when I'm able...

Get Well Soon Trent!

We got news on Friday that my little nephew Trent suffered a difficult fracture of his leg while on vacation in the UP (that's the upper peninsula of Michigan). It was a significant enough break that it required surgery to correct. We understand from what we've heard so far that he's got a plate and 7 screws in his lower leg as a result.

































I can't wait to speak with him and hear his voice and that everything is going to be okay. But, as you enjoy your holiday weekend.. perhaps you could throw up a prayer or two for Trent's recovery.. and for his parents who will have to content with a fireball on crutches.

We just want you to know we are thinking about you Trent!

Love,
Uncle Tod and Aunt Julie

Lake Fun

Julie and Hannah came up with a very unique Father's Day gift for me yesterday. They arranged for a Jet Ski to be delivered to the lake for us to use for the week while we are here. What a great gift idea. Julie definitely IS the giver ;D

It's been hot (high 80's) and the chance to cruise around the lake at 40 or 50 miles an hour has been invigorating. Here's some pictures of the fun!

Grandpa Bill and Trent:













Hannah:





























Hannah taking Julie for a ride:















Jules:















Troy:















Tod:















Steve and Trent (they are booking!!):












And check this out. Trent driving all by himself!

Stitches!

My nephew Trent is a ball of energy. And that little ball was so excited to hang out with us Saturday night when we arrived. At one point he was down in the spectacular new basement jumping around on the bed with Hannah when - WHAM!! OUCH!!

Trent opened a little gash next to his right eye (thank God there was no issue with the eye!).

















So, at about 9:30 PM Steve, Trent and I were off to the emergency room for a couple stitches.















Trent was a rock. He did awesome. Check out those cool stitches he got!















Here's a closeup picture Hannah took for you sickos that love details!!

From Green to Maize and Blue - Name that Belly!

All this talk about Green is making me think of MSU.. which makes me sick ;)

So, I needed an infusion of Maize and Blue!

Who's belly is this?

THE 2008 BLOGGIES

January is traditionally a month in which major media organizations within the USA and abroad celebrate achievements from the previous year. The Team Henderson blog is pleased to join the chorus by announcing its excellence in blogging awards.

Welcome to the Team HEnderson 2008 BLOG Greatest Items Ever Seen - or simply, THE 2008 BLOGGIES! 2008 was an outstanding year and the competition was fierce. However, voting was simplified by our lead writer making unencumbered, unilateral decisions in each category ;)

Congratulations to all our winners! And now, without further ado, on to the awards!

FOREIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BEST FOREIGN BLOG
Buckner’s Buzz http://bucknersbuzz.blogspot.com/
The inspiration for the Team Henderson blog – this blog epitomizes excellent in blogging. Written and (hardly ever) edited by Joanne Buckner – this blog presents a wide ranging array of subjects – featuring, in recurring roles, her three amazing children, husband, and dog Jaci.

BEST FOREIGN BLOG ENTRY - WRITING
August 28: The Proposal

by Joel Henderson and Carissa Schutter (not yet Henderson)
This story in dual voices exemplifies the art of encapsulating a moment in time using language. Critics heralded the piece as an instant classic.

BEST FOREIGN PICTURE
Nov 23: Sweet Victory!
Hannah Henderson and her friend Emily are captured at the moment of Big Game victory. This image is particularly effective when considering the photographer was also the subject. This picture – tastefully cropped by the editor - evokes the excitement and exhilaration only possible by dominating Stanford!

ACHIEVEMENTS IN WRITING

BEST BLOG TITLE
Dec 16: Oh No.. Jo.. b’fo Ho Ho Ho.. it’s Snow!
"A rhyming tour-de-force" chimes Times magazine! "I love it like a fat kid loves cake" says 50-cent!

BEST BLOG ENTRY - FICTION
June 6: Elsie: Harley Babe
In this entry – legendary figure - (then) 82 year old Elsie Ness - explores her physical, emotion and sensual connection to the Hog. Not since Jack Nicholson bared his backside in the movie Something's Gotta Give have we seen a more honest portrayal of octogenarian romance. Yet, this selection reigns as one of our most controversial BLOGGIES given the growing rank of pundits that debate its status as fiction.

BEST BLOG ENTRY - NON-FICTION (ALL)

April 22: It’s a (Very) Small World

This epic, chronicalling the early Joel and Carissa days, spans 3 generations and thousands of miles to clearly present the evidence of God's unseen hand in the events of man.

BEST BLOG ENTRY - NON-FICTION (GUEST)

Feb 20: Cow Palace Dog Show

A touching story by Julie, mirroring human and canine friendship forged in the journey of life.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – BEST BANNED BLOG ENTRY
June 8: Harley Babe in Training – Janice Griffioen.
This story – eventually banned from the blog by our executive editor, Julie – highlighted the life of Janice Griffioen as she took her first baby steps in becoming a full-fledged Harley babe. Revered by early reviewers as a triumph in bad taste.. this entry, alas, was removed before it could find widespread acceptance and acclaim.


ACHIEVEMENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST USE OF PICTURES IN STORY TELLING
April 22: It’s a (Very) Small World
An 8 Act story spanning many locations and thousands of miles – this blog entry recounts the story of inbreeding in small towns.

BEST PICTURE – SCENIC

December 2: Holland 2
If only the photographer could have captured this image in spring! Still, the beautiful colors and contrasts make this our editor’s selection for 2008!

BEST PICTURE - JUMPING
Dec 27: Jumping Pictures and More
This highly competitive genre was dominated this year by one picture. Congratulations to the winners.

BEST PICTURE - SENIOR DIVISION
June 11: Nephew’s Rule
Unknown newcomer Martha comes out of nowhere to grasp victory from perennial winner Elsie in this beautiful portrait of beloved neighbors. Special thanks to Lurinda Shrauger for the use of her Nikon to capture this award winner.

BEST PICTURE - SIBLINGS
Dec 24: This Really Happened!
In a staggering upset– Joel Henderson is shut out of this category for the first time ever! Yes, this picture of Rachel and Hannah, siblings, tops 2008! Congrats.

BEST PICTURE – CROSS GENERATIONAL
June 10: Oh What Fun it is to Ride…
A rare combination of athletic prowess and emotional joy combine to bring us this best picture spanning generations. This was truly one of blog managements all time 2008 favorites! Enjoy!

BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR
Our only tie - this award is shared between..

June 6: Elsie: Harley Babe
John Griffioen is the subject of the distinguished picture of the year award winner. The simplicity of the picture, which captures the subject in his element is both technically pleasing and esthetically satisfying. A 2008 best of!

Oct 5: The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch

Rachel Massey highlights this artistic rendering of life through the pumpkin colored looking glass - a triumph of color, composition and craftsmanship!

ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMENTING

MOST COMMENTS – INDIVIDUAL BLOG ENTRY
July 14: HJ-112 Rest in Peace
This poignant, insightful, commentary on the loss of a fallen comrade received 15 comments; more than any other 2008 blog entry. Demonstrating that blog readers will rally support to the fallen – this award jointly goes to all who made this entry the winner.

BEST BLOG COMMENT
Dec 23: Admissions of a Fiction Writer
Succinct, flattering, evocative! That’s what it takes to win in this category – as Joel Henderson did in 2008!

His comment:
"Another golden nugget coated in chocolate sarcasm! Ummmmmm, tastes good!"

MOST HIGH-BROW COMMENT
April 15: Get a Job
Being long on big words, flattering, and intellectually stimulating are the keys to success in this category. This entry represents an astounding degree of sophistication and flair; as Joel quite easily distanced himself from the crowd with this award winning effort!

His comment:
You're just a regular Flannery O'Connor aren't you :D Nicely done. The pictures add an appropriate amount of verisimilitude to keep people wondering. The ending is particularly well-crafted, bringing the story back full-circle with a ring-composition and using indirect imagery to close the denouement, allowing the readers' own experiences of the "calm after the storm" to inform their unique visuals of mom asleep on the couch. Again, nicely done.

BEST COMEBACK BY BLOG MANAGEMENT TO COMMENT
April 15: Get a Job
Demonstrating a dogged determination and willingness to dig into the back story surrounding a comment in order to respond with unique and appealing prose, this category highlights the quick mind, internet search, and cut and paste skills of our management staff. Touche!
Our comment:
Joel.. as most of our readers will know.. Flannery O'Connor is really Mary Flannery O'Connor. When O'Connor was five she taught a chicken to walk backwards, and it was this that led to her first experience of being a celebrity.

2008 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Elsie Ness – 83 and loving being on the ‘bloggin’.
This multiple 2008 THE BLOGGIES nominee and award winner exemplifies what it means to be alive and thrive at 83. We are proud to award this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Elsie Ness!

Oh No.. Jo.. b'fo Ho Ho Ho.. it's Snow!

Okay Joanne, I know what snow is now!

Yes, we have snow in the mountains that guard our majestic Silicon Valley. Check it out!

The Good Stuff

Okay Joanne, your patience is about to be rewarded. Send the kids out to wander the neighborhood, tell Steve to load his own ammo, take the phone off the hook, lower the blinds and grab a cold one; because it’s time for the good stuff.

Yeah, that’s right - we weren’t just curious about the amount of water run off during August at Silver Creek Falls. Or whether you can buy pig ears at Costco in Salem (you can… but oddly you can’t in Santa Clara). Or whether the Apple Store in Tigard had iPod Touches in stock (they did!). Or whether you can find really good Mexican food in Salem (you can!).

Yes, all these things are nice. All these things hold some dim allure (ok.. the Great Harvest Bread store held way more than a dim allure.. but I need to stay focused). You see, all these things pale in comparison to the accomplishment of our primary mission. Our goal. Our singular desire. To observe Joel in the throws of relational bliss!

Yes, Joanne – we’re going to talk about Joel’s love life! Grab some chocolate and hunker down!

Oh, so I guess this would be a good time to point out that Joel has a girlfriend ;)

Her name is Carissa for those of you not tapped directly into the Michigan/Oregon/California geezer-net.

Our first face to face sighting of Carissa occurred on Sunday afternoon. Now, put yourself into her shoes. You are living in Salem and dating this guy.. and you know his parents are coming to town to interrogate.. I mean.. hang with you. Just how much more contrived and awkward could a first meeting be? Well, to her credit Carissa did answer the door when Joel knocked and let us in.. so .. technically – whatever happened next was really her fault! Right?!

Once we had greeted each other we got to sit with Joel and Carissa and chat a bit and get to know a little about her.. and vice versa. I think with Alzheimer’s like I have.. you can’t remember each individual detail during the discussion.. so I just more or less hope I can recall the big picture. And I can tell you Julie and I were really pleased with the big picture. It is very easy to see why Joel is attracted to Carissa. She is a very sweet person with a very quiet, gentle spirit. Other fascinating details learned about Carissa include:

• she is an actual woman.. you can tell by the fact her apartment does not look like a cave (Joel!)
• she is the oldest of three children (so she understands the burden Julie went through with Janice and Joanne)
• she reads a lot (an obvious sign of excellent breeding)
• she scrapbooks (an obvious sign of excellent breeding)
• she is a great listener (or did we just talk too much?)
  
• and she quite clearly is smitten by Joel (as he is with her)

So, like she has all that going for her!

After we all did our best ‘contrived talking’ thing for awhile we left for dinner. The kids had set it up so that Carissa’s folks - Dan and Joan – would join us at the restaurant – so we ended up meeting them and enjoying dinner together. The conversation was really easy to get into and we were eager to learn a little more about Carissa and her family and cough up some additional details regarding Team Henderson. Dan and Joan are really great people and very easy to like! It was a pleasant environment for relaxing a bit and enjoying being together. I think it took some of the pressure off the kids because they just sat there giggling and sharing inside jokes as the parents yakked away about them! On several occasions I heard Joel say ‘I didn’t know that!’ as we shared stories – and there were a couple times where Julie kicked me under the table.. so hopefully we kept them entertained. All in all it was a really nice time and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

Carissa maintains an emergency nurse’s schedule.. which is quite intense and requires she sleep some odd hours.. so it wasn’t until later Monday afternoon that we met up with her again. We decided to get out and just do some fun things together – which is more the Henderson style. We picked her up and did some shopping and then we went bowling. It was fun to watch Joel and Carissa duke it out on the lanes.. and it was particularly fun when Carissa totally PWNED Joel (and the rest of us, actually!) in the last game.

Apparently, she didn’t get the ‘let your boyfriend and/or boyfriend’s parents win’ memo! (Carissa did mention later in the weekend that she can be – as she refers to it – ‘a bit competitive’ – which we here at Team Henderson admire greatly!).

Next it was back to Joel’s apartment to hang and play some cards. I mean – seriously – do you think you can even be in a relationship with a Henderson if you are a cardtard? No – seriously? We had to find out. You will all be very pleased to hear that Carissa is decidedly NOT a cardtard! Whew! Dodged that bullet. She is an experienced card player.. who is just learning Euchre.. so Grandma Elsie.. you still hold the crown. However, she is a gamer and now battle tested at the card table. Well done Carissa! And, yes, Bill – we tried to expose her to the ‘rule of three’ and ‘fathead’ just in case she should have some future opportunity to meet you!

One of my favorite moments with the kids was when we left Joel’s apartment to go pick up some dinner on Monday night. This involved walking to a local Chinese restaurant. It was nice to see them holding hands and walking together, being playful with each other and laughing as they walked along. It was like I wasn’t there and I got just a peek at what they truly are when they are alone together (meaning not under direct microscopic parental scrutiny!) – and comfortable – and just enjoying each other’s presence. This little glimpse into their feelings for each other was touching to see. It is clear that they really enjoy each other and are very happy together. What more could we possible have hoped to find? Julie and I are so excited for the two of them.

Ok Joanne. Let the kids back into the house. That’s all I got. For now ;)

Nephews Rule!

It was rewarding to get a chance to see each of our nephews (including Chris who is not pictured here!) on our last trip to Michigan/Indiana.

Every one has a wonderful, distinct personality which seems to grow and expand each year. They are all a blast to hang around with, play with, and just enjoy.

Check out this roster of studs!

Arie - the Graduate


















Andrew - next in line!


















Tyler - in contemplation. I think he might be thinking of a special someone in this picture. Notice the ring on his pinkie finger (it's not a men's ring!)?













Troy - the gentle spirit.. who spends a lot of time being abused by his older brother and cousins!


















Trent - the magnificent ball of energy!