Congratulations Evan and Julie

Our most heartfelt congratulations go out to Evan and Julie Winslow who were married Sunday!  I'm only going to publish a head shot since I haven't had the chance to inquire from the bride and groom how sensitive they feel about pictures being posted.  So - perhaps more will come soon (we will see them in a couple days).  But, this event couldn't go unhearalded.

Here's to the quite lovely bride and groom.

The color palette was pink, orange and yellow (or some variation thereof ;)).  The setting was quite unique in that the guests were seated at their tables throughout the service and reception.  This turned out to be a significant blessing because the weather in the LA area was in a word - drenching - all weekend.  The table decorations were simple, elegant and gorgeous.

You could tell from the beginning of the service through its climax that God was the featured guest and passion of the two celebrants.  It was deeply touching to hear the official's encouragement as well as Evan and Julie's personalized vows to model their marriage after Christ and His church.  What a solid foundation for the days, weeks and years to come for these two newlyweds.

I'd be remiss if I didn't say that this was a bittersweet celebration. My dear friend, and Julie's mother wasn't able to attend due to her passing 9 years ago.  That realization crippled my emotions at times. There were many private tears shed throughout the weekend, during the proceedings, and as pictures of her were interspersed with pictures of Julie and Evan projected onto screens during the reception slideshow. I find that it is a really, really bad idea to lock eyes with Julie during these tender moments.  However, it is reassuring to know that she is truely content where she is and that her beautiful daughter was able to follow on in her tradition of marrying loving, godly men.  What more could she have hoped for?

Engaged!!

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Julie and Evan on their recent engagement!  We are so excited for you two!

As you can see,  Evan picked an extremely romantic setting for this most memorable of occasions.  And Julie said Yes!!

Apparently, operation Ring By Spring was a total success!

End of Vacation Campfire

Sunday night represented the last evening Joel and Carissa would spend with us - as they returned home to Oregon this morning. We had a fun-filled week with them; so we chose to spend their final evening kicking back around a campfire. Luckily, our bud Tim has a backyard fire pit which he was more than willing to lend us for the occasion. So, we set it up and lit some firewood and enjoyed a quiet evening around the fire pit making Michigan pies (and yes, Vicki, we completely have commandeered the hobo pie moniker!).

To make the perfect pie? Well, you gotta start with some hot coals. These will do!















Then, you take a pie iron and line it with either white bread (buttered to keep it from sticking) or with biscuit dough (an innovation that Joel and Carissa shared with us) that is kept from sticking by coating the pie iron with Pam. The picture below features biscuit dough.















Next, you put your favorite 'stuff' on the inside. I chose peach filling make from peaches off our tree in the back yard (above). Julie L. loves a good pizza pie (below.. on white bread). You can see from the fixings on the table there are all sorts of tasty options!











































Next you place the pie iron in amongst the hot coals; turning it from time to time to ensure your pie cooks evenly.















We found out that the best way to do the biscuit dough was to 'split it in half' (make it half as thin as it comes in the can). If you don't ... it expands too much when you cook it!















You gotta open the pie iron to take a look at progress from time to time. When the pie crust is toasty brown - it's time to get the pie out of the iron.......















... and into your belly!















We had a relaxing time just hanging around the camp fire.















It's been awhile since we have been able to celebrate Joel's birthday with him - so we decided to integrate a small birthday celebration at the end of the evening. Julie L. was so sweet. I asked her if she could clandestinely make a cake for Joel - at the last minute Sunday night. She and her boyfriend, Evan, were more than willing to help out and cooked up a scrumptious cake; even including a full compliment of candles. My thanks to Julie for her kind act of service to make this last night together a bit more special!















And, of course, many thanks to Joel and Carissa for choosing to spend their vacation time with us this year!

Tim the Photographer

In order to get the Truckee rafting pictures, Tim gave me the memory card from his digital camera. On it were quite a few pictures. Apparently, he doesn't clear off the camera very often. Which is my good luck.

So.. why not pass along a few of his best efforts?

Here's some roses that Tim grew. He has a major green thumb.















And here's some of his tulips. The man can do flowers.















Here's some simply gorgeous nature shots. Gorgeous!





























And here's some family and friends!

J&R Wedding Support Cast

Power cord. Check. A few minutes of free time. Check. Okay.. time for more wedding photos.

Here's some of my favorite pictures of the supporting cast from the wedding.

Here's Hannah and Courtney.
















And the fabulous Hannah and Taylor.





























Aaron and Emily seem like they're having a good time!



















I think this is a great shot of Auntie and Julie.

















Oh.. and did you meet the una-guest?



















I guess that makes Dean the una-dad?

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!

Blog Browsing by Labels

Did you notice?

Check out the left column of the blog. You know, the one that includes "Who are we?", "Blogs you should check out" and more.

Scroll to the bottom of the column. There's a new feature there called "Select Blog Entries by Topic". Under that header is a number of 'labels' with parentheses () that include the number of blog entries that include that topic.

As an example: basketball (5)

That means there are 5 blog entries that have been posted as of today that include references to basketball. If you just want to read the basketball related entries... click on the 'basketball'. It will bring up a blog page that includes all the related articles. How cool is that?

Julie's the big winner so far (as she should be!). Oh, and that second julie.. 'julie l' - is julie logan!

And which school has more posts.. UofM or MSU?... actually neither. It's Berkeley - Go Bears!

My personal favorites? hmmm... try out 'sarcasm' ;)

Enjoy.

Jumping Pictures and More!

Here they are people! The Christmas jumping pictures. Clearly, one of our most bizarre, entertaining, and just plain fun Christmas traditions. Enjoy!

For your starter course.. I give you the group photo! Note the matching Mountain Dew PJs this year.














We start you out on the jumping pictures with the oldies but goodies!












Next I give you the young and and the fabulous people - doing a pre-jump Jon lift. He seems to be enjoying himself!












Here's one of their efforts after the warmup! Note the aggressive approach of our newly engaged couple ;) I also think Hannah's hair is excellent.












Here's a sweet Guitar Hero jump by Hannah and Karen!












And here's the same two performing their Indian prayer jump.



















Now I present the lovely women of Team HenderLogan. I can't exactly say what is going on with this pose. All I know is that apparently, Grandma G is having none of it ;)

Any guesses?












And here's an exclusive photo - only available here - of Team Logan getting extreme air. I especially like how Rosie is pretty much oblivious to the world around her!

This Really Happened!

I know there has recently been some reason to believe that not everything that is posted on this blog is true. So, I want to say right off that the events described in this post really did occur. I haven't even changed the names to protect the innocent.

One of our traditions on Christmas Eve is to have chili at the Logan's. Grandma G. (GG) makes it every year and it is a total hit. This year was no different. It was totally yummy!



















After dinner we played a game of prediction (a card game). I think I mentioned that Grandma Elsie (GE) made it into town this afternoon and started with a bang at Safeway (see previous post). Well GE stepped up her game - leaving quite the impression during the card game tonight by dropping the 'L' word!













Yes, during the game Rachel and Hannah were at one of the table sitting next to each other. They were having a great time talking and laughing with each other.














When, all of a sudden, with absolutely no warning... GE turns to the two girls and says 'Lesbians'!



















According to GE "it just slipped out!". Apparently, when they were laughing they had their two heads close together and that's the word that popped into her head! Hmmm....

Immediately - Jon Logan pushed his chair back and started laughing! Rachel and Hannah were dumbfounded at first and then started laughing so hard. And GE didn't know what to do so she joined in the raucous laughter. It took several minutes of belly laughs and worries that certain individuals would wet their pants before things calmed down and we were able to finish the game.

Too funny. And she's only been here 7 hours!

You'll be glad to hear that there were no hard feelings between GE and Hannah afterwards. How cute!