Category Archives: Family

Genealogy and history

Carl Mesle at The K

Posted on by annandmeg

Today would’ve been Granddad’s 100th Birthday. I’ve thought about him throughout the day today, scrolling through many wonderful memories. One of my recent favorites was the day he threw out the first pitch at a Royals game. It was September 2010, and as the oldest Eagle Scout in the Midwest, he was the lucky man who got to go out on the mound and throw the pitch. He was so happy that day, with 4,800 scouts there to celebrate with him, along with his family. So here is a photo of him on the big screen, smiling ear to ear, in honor of the Royals’ incredible third win against the Orioles tonight, and in honor of his (almost) 100th birthday.

GranddadFirstPitchBig hugs, Granddad. We will miss you always.

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68 Years Of Great Living: Happy Birthday Terry

Posted on by annandmeg

Today is a day to celebrate.  Terry Christenberry turns 68.  He lives a wonderful life, filled with travel, family and friends. IMG_4393 France IMG_3516 Great Britain DSC_0861 Cuba IMG_3584 Amsterdam It is, truly, a wonderful life.  Congratulations Mr. T.  You are the best. May your future be joyful and long.  May your family and friends love you as much as you love them.

Rudy

Posted on by annandmeg

It is with great sadness that our family deals with the loss of our beloved friend, father, husband and the world’s best “opa”. Born Roelf Michel Rooijen, but known to all as “Rudy”, he was one in a million.  He was well-loved and respected by his family and friends.  With his partner and equally wonderful wife, Evelien, he cherished his role as a grandparent and lived life to the fullest.

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Terry, Meg and I met the Rooijens when Terry’s daughter, Laura, met and married Rudy and Evelien’s (also wonderful) son, Michel Rooijen.  Thereafter we shared our lives with them as our children and then our granddaughter, Sophia, brought us together in Amsterdam and in Kansas City.  We celebrated Laura and Michel’s wedding in Maastricht, Sophia’s birth in Amsterdam, Thanksgiving in Amsterdam and barbecue in Kansas City.  Our lives are far richer because of our friendship with this special family.

His death was a horrible shock to all of us.  A pillar of strength throughout his life, he seemed invincible.  His death leaves a hole in our lives and our hearts.

Happy Birthday Dear Meg, Happy Birthday To You

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Say it isn’t so!   Seriously, Meg just doesn’t have time for a birthday.  She is way too busy saving the world.  Her life is in constant motion, working on Deb’s exciting campaign, protecting the environment and in all ways using her energy to make the world better, happier and more fun.

Meg In Overdrive

Meg In Overdrive

Her life is in constant motion.  Meg celebrates life, not just on her birthday, but everyday.  When she has free time she loves to:

Photograph her beloved California coast.

Meg Photographs Her Beloved California

Hike with Jake and their beloved greyhounds.

Family photo while hiking on Ring Mountain

And search for “made in the USA” clothing.

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On your special day, Meg, relax and reflect on the great year you have had and the great years to come.  DSC_0025

Love ya–Mumsy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama!

Posted on by annandmeg

So, clearly Mum and I have been so busy the last few months that we hardly post anything, but today is a day to celebrate….IT’S MUM’S BIRTHDAY!!Meg and Ann in London, November 2013

Mumsy at Christmas 2013While I was working the 2012 campaign cycle, Mum sent me a card to keep me cheery and motivated. The front reads, “Three of my favorite words?” and then the inside says, “That’s my daughter.” Ever since then I’ve kept the card on my desk, because it always reminds me how loved and supported I am by this amazing woman.

Mum, I’m so sorry I can’t be there to give you a big birthday hug, but I hope it’s a wonderful day and that Casey gives you lots of love for the two of us! Oh, and getting on a plane with Mr. T to go to France won’t be too bad either:)

Love you,

Lil you:)

Lily is 12 today!

Posted on by annandmeg

Campaign season has gone into full swing, but I just had to do a birthday post for our special princess. Lily Ann is 12 years young today! As a retired greyhound, she works hard to sleep as often as possible on as many soft, cushy surfaces as she can. Couch? check. Bed? check. Lots of blankets and pillows? ….well, you get the idea.

LilyHappy Birthday, Princess!

 

Welcome, 2014!

Posted on by annandmeg

Jake, Meg, Katy and Scott at Alamere Falls

I started my morning similar to many others….I went for a run as the sun came up, gearing myself up for the day. Of course, it’s the start of a new year, so I spent most of my run reflecting on the many happenings of 2013, and looking forward to all that 2014 has to offer.

Granddad Mesle and Mum

It’s definitely been a busy year. I turned 30 (shh!), met Joe Boden, started doing my own consulting; Mum retired from the bench and  is now busy with her many boards; we went to Europe for Thanksgiving with Mum and Terry, where I FINALLY visited my sister’s new apartment in Amsterdam; my Granddad Mesle turned a whopping 99 years young; Aunt Sherry won a seat on the Lamoni City Council; Jane visited Petaluma; Derek and Travis visited for a week over the summer …. the list goes on.

Meg, Travis, Derek & Jake near Jenner, CA

There is much to be thankful for, and much to be proud of. Our family is healthy (puppies included), work is great, we have wonderful friends, and life is generally…well…amazing! Funny how living in California makes you feel about the world, especially when you have a beautiful place like Kansas City to go back to over the holidays.

Meg, Jane and Auntie

I hope you had a wonderful 2013, and that 2014 is merry and bright for you and yours.

Auntie’s Day

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On this beautiful Veteran’s Day, we also have the pleasure of celebrating Carol McCollister’s birthday! We always have a wonderful time together, no matter what we’re doing. Here, Auntie, Mum and I enjoyed a fun girls’ day  in the wine country (with Tio in tow) when Mum was visiting back in April.

Meg, Ann and Carol (Auntie) out in the wine country in April 2013.

Meg, Ann and Carol (Auntie) out in the wine country in April 2013.

Happy Birthday, Auntie. I hope Tio refrains from any surprises!