Our Church Picnic is TODAY!!!

Today is the day of the St. Francis Church picnic in Teutopolis. This is our communities annual way of pulling together to show there support and donate what they can to help keep our breathtaking church going! We are proud of our church and this is just one of the ways we get to show it. There are always a lot of things for the little ones to do even if its just running around w/ there friends and having water fights. Caleb looks forward to that every year! So if you have a minute to swing through T-Town today, please stop buy and check out the fun. Looks like its going to be a Beautiful day, hope to see you all there!

Cancer wins again

So I go online to check my email this morning and the first thing I see is:
Tony Snow, President Bush's conservative writer & commentator lost his battle w/ colon cancer this morning. Tony was only 53!

Of course, I didn't know this gentleman but it just goes to show that cancer strikes anyone @ any age. Cancer is everywhere and we can't hide from it. To be honest, cancer scares the crap out of me because it does run in my family on my mother's side.

Tony, thanks for a job well done. President Bush stated today, "America lost a devoted public servant and a man of character." Prayers go out to your family.

Walking for the cause

If there were ever a reason to walk, tonight was the night! Tonight I was honored to walk w/ some friends of mine in the Relay for Life. This is my first time ever being present at this type of event, but until this year I never realized how many people in our community suffer from Cancer.

Many years ago (when I was 6) I lost a great-grandfather to this disease. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I didn't even know that grandpa was sick. This man spoiled me rotten every chance he got. He was my walking partner. Whether we headed to the park, the little downtown diner, HUCK'S, or to Spurgen's to buy me a new dolly we were always on foot. I still remember all the little things about him, but most of all, his love for me. Then on one beautiful summer day my mom and dad took me to the St. Louis Zoo. I remember having soo much fun ooohing and ahhhhing over cute little/big animals. We finally called it a day and headed home to find the most disturbing news, at that time in my life. My dearest great-grandfather Nick had died. He past away in the comfort of his room after getting up for a glass of water and telling everyone "Goodnight". I lost my best friend that day to a disease I didn't understand.

Now, the older I get the more people I know are being diagnosed w/ this horrifying disease. Unfortunately, w/in the last 2 years Cancer once again has raised it's ugly face to friends close to my heart. Everyday, we pray for the miracle cure and yes the scientist are closer to a cure for some cancers but yet so far away for most.

Tonight, I went up and showed my support to finding a cure for this disease. I walked w/ my friends Mark and Steve for only two miles due to Mother Natures incooperation. There was music from 97.9 WXEF radio station and silent auctions and for the weather circumstance, there were quit a few people there walking in the rain to help support the cause.

So here is a Shout Out to all participants!!! And please, all who read this, keep in mind the victims of this terrible disease and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

My special Prayers tonight go out to those who have lost there battle:
My Great-Grandfather Nick
The family of Mrs. Margie Osteen
The Family of Mr. & Mrs. Mert McMahan
The Family of Lisa Addis

To those who are still fighting:
Mrs. Janet Knabe

Happy Birthday DAD!!!

Want to make a shout out to my DADDY on his 51st Birthday!!! Sorry I didn't get to spend any time w/ you today, just know I was thinking of you often. I hope you start feeling better soon so I can spoil you w/ a nice dinner out on the town. I love you w/ all my heart and am grateful to have such a wonderful example of a father. Hope you enjoyed your day!

Fathers Day 2008

How lucky can dad's be when there is a Cardinal Baseball game on Father's Day! I was lucky enough to get to spend Father's day w/ my dad, Matt, and Caleb. The weather was awesome and everything went well. I must say Caleb got spoiled horribly by his grandfather but I couldn't help but smile as it was going on. It so fun to watch their relationship grow and grow throughout the years. Caleb is a very lucky little boy w/ a lot of love surrounding him!


The Cardinal game was a lot of fun. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful family to share my life w/. I thank God everyday for everything I have!!

Can We Say PARTY!!!!

It's Alicia's Bachelorette Party in Chicago!!!! Tons of fun and lots of partying!!

What a CRAZY way to start off the weekend....I decided w/ gas prices the way they are that I should just take the Amtrak. I would recommend it to anyone traveling to Chicago. I was ready to head out the train was running a little bit (20min) behind but nothing serious due to bad weather. We get boarded and get only to Sigel/Neoga and had to stop for debris on the tracks - For an HOUR and a HALF!!! Once we finally got moving again we only made it approximately 2 more miles for another debris delay, yes, you got it, another hour and a half. I should have arrived in Chicago around 8:30p but finally made it around 11:45p. Loonngg Trip but when we got moving again it was smooth sailing and the peaceful bliss I desperately needed.

When I got to Chicago I spent Friday night w/ my lil' sis and we went out to an awesome Piano Bar downtown. It was a great way to wind down after my long journey.

On Saturday we met up w/ everyone and Elizabeth's house and headed off to the beach. What a beautiful day the Lord gave us! The sun was bright and the clouds were few. We got a good volleyball game on and tried out Lake Michigan. Needless to say the water was freezing even w/ all the sunshine. Later that evening Elizabeth set us up for a fun filled night at MOXIE'S! We ate a lot, drank even more, and partied like rock stars the whole night. It was a very memorable time that I'm proud to have been a part of.

Alicia, you are the sweetest person I know and you mean the world to me. As you know, I just want the best for you and wish you and Cole a beautiful and happy future!! Always know that no matter what the occasion, I'm just a phone call away!!

Thoughts & Prayers......

I would like to take a minute and send our thoughts and prayers out to the family of Douglas L. Goeckner today and always. They lost a good man in a tragic moment. There are never any words to help w/ the pain someone goes through in an extremely devastating situation such as this. We want Christina, Calvin and the entire Goeckner family to now we are thinking of you. May your hearts be filled with precious memories of the wonderful gift Doug was to your family.

Our deepest sympathy,
The Ordner's

Disturbing Show....

I have always wondered how I wasn't a Vegetarian. As much as I LOVE animals of all species I've always had very little problem eating a nice juicy steak or a good pork BBQ sandwich. I think I've managed so long because I never really thought about what I was eating at that moment.

Well, this past Tuesday Caleb had a ballgame and we went to eat dinner afterwards then we stopped by my gma Millie's to visit for a bit. To make a long story short, we got home a little late. By the time I got to bed it was about 10:15 and I wanted to watch some t.v. as I always do to help me fall asleep. I know, its a bad habit. Anyway, I flipped it to channel 60 which is FX in our area (cable). The show that I found was called 30 Days. I've heard of it before but had never seen it. This time it was about the abuse of animals. All animals, pets and farm raised. I have never been so disgusted by something in my life. The way these farm animals are handled and treated from birth on is horrendous!! These poor babies are stuck in a 4 X 6 crate standing side by side what looked like for miles. These "farm hands" were needing to move the babies to a different location and would open the back of the crate and just pull the poor, scared, and defenseless babies out of them by the tail, leg, whatever they could get there hands on first and herd them onto a trailer for transport. TRULY PITIFUL!!!
I also watched how they would take the sick and sluggish babies and just throw them on the side of the road or in a field somewhere to let them lay there alone and DIE!!

I know I'm a "city girl" and I know nothing about farming but just from watching this show Tuesday I haven't been able to touch any kind of meat since then. It simply makes my stomach turn thinking about it! I'm sure not all farmers treat there livestock like this and I realize what I was watching came from the state of TX and they were all verrryyy large cattle plants/farms but I still don't understand there concept of "farming". I can only pray for the animals that must suffer so inhumanely.

Caleb's #1 Fan!

I have always considered Caleb a very lucky little man. A very good example is the fact he has at least 6-8 family members at each and everyone of his ballgames. With most home games that # usually goes up and so far his little cousin Calvin has been Caleb's #1 Fan!! He helps Uncle Matt out in the dugout and says "Go Caleb"! We look forward to Calvin's helpful cheers at our future games. Calvin, we consider you a good luck charm for team Thunder.

That's our Boy!!!!

Look who's headed to the 4th Grade in August! Way to go Caleb on a job well done!! He's improved his grades and effort to all A's & B's in the 4th quarter w/ all his hard work and determination. We knew you could do anything you put your mind to Caleb!! Keep up the good work and you'll go places! We are proud of you son! High Five!