Support: 10 feet High

I could have easily told you 27 years ago that my parents had amazing friends.  Well, except I was a year old and obviously could not speak. But seriously, these people are amazing and have been the most supportive group for my entire life. 

I could not say thank you enough for the last 6 months, as day after day these people called, emailed, baked, held hands, and were extra wonderful.  But even I was amazed in November when these men pulled through to replace the shingles on dad's shop roof.  This roof had seen better days both in terms of shingles and plywood underneath and if you know my dad, you know how important the contents of the shop are to him (especially Emma Jean!). Not only did we have manual labor, we had 4 wheelbarrows, a dumpster delivery, and more materials than we needed.  Add in Dunkin' coffee and donut holes, and maybe a few adult beverages, and there were quite a few laughs to be had along with all of the work! 

Also, I think it is important to note that we started about 9am pulling shingles off the roof and were cleaned-up with materials in trucks by 1pm.  Yes, 4 hours to do this HUGE roof - 

Just a few more pictures to remind everyone how hard they worked. I do want to take a minute to thank Richard, Tommy, and Scott as they provided so much support in terms of materials and equipment - without them there would have been no way to complete this project.  If I haven't said it enough, allow me to say THANK YOU again. With tears, love, and more emotion than I can convey, I want all 14 of you to know how much it meant to me to see you all there supporting Dad. 

Thank you again for all of your support, no matter how you showed your love. Physical, emotional, FOOD, financial, it all means more than I can say.

Love, 

Jessi

Changes to the Schedule

As much as I hate to write this, I am going to have to change the schedule for 2013.  I am so thankful to have had Boy Wonder home, but scheduling got away from me.  Unfortunately, there were scheduling conflicts with some of my favorite people, and I am going to move Gone With the Wind to April. 

Those of you that are interested in seeing Gone With the Wind with us, please email me (Jessica dot Gehman at Gmail dot com) and I will keep a list.  I hope to send out an email at the beginning of February with available dates and then we can identify any scheduling conflicts and move forward. 

That being said, I am prepared to tackle my stitching project in January.  Yes, I am giving myself 17 days to complete one of the below projects.  Any opinions or suggestions regarding either of these? I'll be hitting up Joanne fabric and Michael's after work on Wednesday to make my choice. 

Thanks so much for all of your support! I have a few fun posts coming in the next week, so keep your eye out for some more updates! 

Love, 

Jessi

February 2013 - Schwenkfelder

A few more specifics on the February event are listed below - I will be going through the year this week and next and then will post updates, questions, and requests as they come up. 
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I am excited to schedule a trip to the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center for February! I know this will not be interesting to many people outside of my family, but there are several items Mom discussed donating for years that I feel should be completed.  There was also an article recently published in the Schwenkfelder magazine that included Louisa (my great-grandmother), and I am very interested in learning what other information they may have.  As far as I'm concerned, Mom held all the knowledge I learned about our family, so I will be armed with a notebook and camera for this trip so I don't forget any important details! 

A little back story on the Heritage Center and some information on the Central Schwenkfelder Church is below. 

From the Library's website - 

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Schwenkfelders and the history of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Perkiomen Region. The Heritage Center offers educational programming and tours, exhibits, workshops, and events throughout the year. 

Exhibits that will be in place in February include "Modern Design in the Valley", focusing on furniture design and "The Art of Rebecca Ross" which features Rebecca's art focusing on traditional symbols and symbolism.   

This is Central Schwenkfelder ^

Courtesy of the Church's Website - The Central Schwenkfelder Church Mission Statement -

 "Love God. Serve Others. Grow Disciples."

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I can't wait to see what we can learn from the Heritage Center and what we can give them to continue their research and teaching process! 

Love, 

Jess  

 

January 2013 - Gone With The Wind

A few more specifics on the January event are listed below - I will be going through the year this week and next and then will post updates, questions, and requests as they come up. 

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January - 
 
The dinner and wine portion of this is because that is what Mom and I would do about once a year when we watched Rhett and Scarlet battle it out.  Well, wine in the last few years since I stuck to Coke in high school.  I've read the traditional version of the book, and that is my favorite.  My second favorite is the book Rhett's People, which is the same story, but written from Rhett's perspective.  I found this very interesting, but less exciting since I obviously know the ending.  The movie is my least favorite as it is so very long, and much more difficult to stop and start than the books are. 

Without a doubt, my favorite line is - 

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." 

I had hoped Kevin and I would be in our own home by January, but thanks to the wonders of a leaking roof and us being picky, I may be seeking an alternate venue for hosting.  I know that Gone With The Wind is an almost 4 hour movie, so tentative plans (regardless of venue) are as follows: 

 - Start the movie drinks and appetizers at 6pm
 - Add in dinner around halfway at 8pm
 - Finish with dessert around 9pm 

I am hopeful that I can get at least 6 - 8 people to watch with me, and help spread the workload of food and beverage as well.  I am looking at the 19th or 26th of January if a Saturday would work for everyone? 

Love, 
Jessi

Schedule of Events

I know that there is no way to replace such a wonderful lady, but after much planning I am hopeful that we will be able to join together during 2013 and honor the memory Little Debbie has left behind.  The legacy of Mom, Mary, and Mary Elyn is one I am proud to call my own.  I will never do Christmas as well as ME, top Mary’s ironstone collection, or stitch with the likes of mom, but I will maintain my membership at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visit the Christmas display at Longwood Gardens, and serve multi-course dinners with wine and too many dishes.

Here is my tentative schedule for 2013.  I am hopeful that your feedback will help me expand on the details, and that this blog will give me one place to keep our friends and family posted. As always, please call, text, or email anytime! (Jessica.Gehman@gmail.com)

January - Dinner, Wine, and Gone with the Wind

February - Schwenkfelder Heritage & Library Center

March - Fight for Air Climb (Philadelphia, March 23rd)

April - Stitching lessons & my first sampler

May - Bucks County Designer Showhouse (and lunch!)

June - Relay for Life Exeter (June 1st)

July - Hiking Ricketts Glen waterfalls

August - Wine Dinner

September - Frisbee Lessons & Frisbee Golf

October - Philadelphia Museum of Art (and lunch!)

November - Nemours Mansion & Gardens

December (2012 & 2013) - Lights at Longwood Gardens

This is the first time I've opened the listing up to more than just Kevin, and I am very excited for some feedback!