My Fight With A Barn Swallow!

Last summer a Barn Swallow built a nest above one of the windows on our front porch. They made a terrible mess and dive-bombed me constantly when I tried to sit on my porch. I hated it!

This year they came back, and I was determined that they would NOT build a nest there again. I didn't care if they chose one of our out buildings or a tree, but not on my HOUSE!

It was quite a battle. I actually felt a little sorry for him because he was very dedicated. He would start building, and I would go knock it down. Now, you animal lovers, I'm sorry, but I was "In it to Win it". Finally after about two weeks of this I won. He gave up building the nest. I went all around the house looking to see if he had built it somewhere else, but didn't find it. I had a feeling of satisfaction and told several people about it.

Last week Dennis took me out on the front porch and showed me THIS! The bird had simply moved over one window. I got a great big laugh out of this. I can just imagine that bird smiling about tricking me. Believe me, he had better be making a new plan because next year I'll be watching for this one!!!

2010 Kusch Cousin Reunion

Last weekend we hosted Dennis' cousins. They are a wonderful group, and we had so much fun. The ones who couldn't make it were missed so much. Twelve out of eighteen were there.

One of the funny things about this reunion is that if we don't attend there are NO Kuschs there. That leaves a lot of pressure on Nicholas & Brooke, but we have faith in them!

(Ha!)

Notice our front porch railing. Phillip Kelly and his son finished it just as the cousins were arriving Friday night. We have our rocking chairs all in place, and I am loving sitting out there.

Three Wonderful Dads!

Aaron - This is his first Fathers' Day. As you can see he wasn't upset at getting a daughter. She already loves her daddy so much.

As he starts down the road of surprises, twists, and turns, may he experience joy overflowing. I can't think of a better daddy for our little Molly. He is a loving, thoughtful, hardworking man. She and her mother will never have to worry. Aaron will support and protect them with all his heart.

Dennis - He is a quiet man who loves deeply. You can see that in this picture. Our children and grandchildren are lucky to have him.

Dennis is not afraid to stand tall and firm in his convictions. His conservative views aren't always popular with everyone, but I admire him greatly. He leads by example. His life is led by following those conservative views. A trustworthy man who is honest and faithful describes him perfectly. What a blessing to have him in our family!

Homer - This is my daddy! I have been so fortunate to have the parents I have. Dad came from very poor circumstances to give all of us girls such a great childhood and chance in life.

He is a merry soul and so much fun to be around. At his age of 86 he still works in his yard and garden and chauffers around mom. I do believe that he knows everyone in Canadian County.

We could always count on Dad to be there cheering us on. He loved to drive the church bus to away games. He wanted to go to the games, too. He and Mom sponsored those trips many, many times.

He loves to play games of all kinds. The men play croquet on Sunday get-togethers. We wives have to get on to our husbands for arguing about the rules. They are very competitive! He also loves to play dominoes, and computer games. I get that from him. I love games, too.

Thank you, God, for these three wonderful fathers in our family. Nicholas is a wonderful guy, too. He just hasn't attained fatherhood yet!

Bruce Von Tungeln

I am sad today. I attended the funeral of one of my high school classmates, Bruce Von Tungeln. He was part of my dear class of '69 at El Reno High School.

Everyone who ever knew him thought highly of him. A big smile was always lighting up his face, and he exemplified the word gentleman. His passing is a big loss to the world. I'm sure the whole city of Weatherford is mourning him. He was a Christian man and an example to us all.

My heart is breaking for his wife, Jeanne. They were a great couple.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." You deserve God's heavenly rest.

Nicholas Anthony

I noticed that Nicholas hasn't been mentioned too often in my blog. He is probably glad about that, but I'm not. I decided it was time to talk about him a little. I'm sure you can tell that he is going to kill me for this picture, but it's a risk I'm willing to take because it is Nicholas to perfection, and I love it so much.

Nicholas is a source of joy and laughter to many people. Just listening to him laugh makes you want to join in. He has a merry spirit that I love!

Just to be fair I have included a

couple of other pictures. It is wonderful to see the man Nicholas has become. His beautiful wife, Brooke, is really an asset to him. If you see me running from Nicholas stop and help me out. He is going to get me for this, I'm sure!

Wow! What a night!

Tonight at church my dear friend, Estrella, shared what had been going on in her life the past few years. If you are interested in reading her blog I have listed it on my blog list. It was such an emotional evening that I was completely exhausted when we left. I can only imagine how she felt!

God is really using her in a wonderful way. She absolutely glows. Estrella has always been an outstandingly beautiful woman, but she is even more beautiful now. I thank God for sparing her life and giving her this chance to share with others. She and her husband, Sam, are an inspiration.

Happy Anniversary, Hayley & Aaron!

Twelve years ago tomorrow Hayley and Aaron got married. Where did those years go? They are a great couple and now they have an addition to their family, our precious little Molly. May they be blessed with many more years of happiness!

Much love, Mom