A Letter from Brandt and Sandy

Dear John and Linda,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

First and foremost Sandy and I would like to WISH you both the BEST on your 35th wedding anniversary! We pray you are both well and happily looking forward to at the very least, another 35 blissful years together an then some, God willing!

I can still remember your reception and the anticipation Bob, Carl and I felt when we heard there was no BAND but a couple of strolling minstrels that Uncle Carl liked and I believe recommended for the occasion. Remember back then, every wedding had a band. DJ's for weddings were unheard of back in those days and besides , who ever heard of a couple of strolling minstrels entertaining a wedding party. Boy were we wrong! To this day, when the subject of "best weddings we have ever attended" comes up, I can honestly say, yours has always been at the top of our list, at least from what I remember of it (that of course was until our daughter and Jose wedding last year). As I remember it also gave our parents a lot to talk about for years to come. My mom, even to this day, chuckles when she talks about how Carl couldn't find the car for your dad after the reception. Yep, that was a very good party!

You know how important family is to us. I have always cherished the time we spent together as cousins at Holidays and special occasions. My only regrets are we couldn't have continued that custom after we were all married with families of our own. The few times we have gotten together brings back some memorable moments. There was the time we stayed at your first home in Michigan but you didn't tell us about your cat. Sandy had the surprise of her life when it pounced up on her in the middle of the night and then proceeded to play with her hair and swat her head until the sun came up.

On another stop by your place, Kristine was playing at the neighbors and you called her home to meet us. Your little china doll, all decked out in a pretty sun dress, had been playing in a dirt pile. It lookedl ike she had enjoyed every minute of her play time as she was covered with dirt from head to toe. I'm not sure who was more surprised, you or us. I think you said something to the effect, as any proud mom would, with a smile on your face, "this is our little girl, Kristine". That precious picture is etched into my mind today as if it happened yesterday.

You folks have moved around several times and if my memory serves me correctly you are now in your 6th home, not counting any apartments you may have started out in. We have only had the opportunity to visit with you a couple of times in your Michigan homes. You both have always been such gracious hosts. We can't thank you enough for the times you have opened your doors to us. You know you are always welcome in our home should you ever be looking for a place to hang your hat around the Chicago area.

Hope you are enjoying your special day together reminiscing over the last 35 years and the wonderful children you have raised.

May God's Love and Blessings continue to bless your marraige!

All our Love,
Brandt and Sandy Leischner

A Note from Carl and Barb

The memories of John and Linda that are most dear, revolve around holiday celebrations. The Schleede visits usually came during Summer vacation or Christmas. Most of the time the Schleede's stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Krack. However, with passing years, the family would stay at our home, giving us more time to share memories, stories, laughter and sometimes even tears. We wish you a Happy Anniversary and many more years of good health and joy.

Love Barbara and Carl

Late Night Chaperone

On the many occasions that I spent the night over at the Schleede house when I was young, I remember one in particular. We decided to watch Old Yeller that evening. For a young dog lover, that was a little too much to handle. John had to help me gather up my over night things and walk me home. It was only 3 houses and a street away, but it seemed forever that night. John and Linda have been second parents to Emily and I ever since I can remember. We have come along ways since then, but thank you for the influence that you have had on me and the others in my life. Marie and I love you both.

Lunch at the Schleedes'

I can remember that we never got to have Koolaid at home as kids, Emily and I, so we used to go down to John and Linda's for red Koolaid. It got even better when we had Macaroni and Cheese with hotdogs mixed in, and yes, for color and flavor, some red Koolaid too.

I think that our tastes have changed a bit since then, but I won't ever forget that combination.

A Letter from Terrie Kaiser

I very clearly remember meeting Linda and baby Kristine about 27 and a half years ago. It was in the spring time before Marty turned one year old. I had Marty out with me in the front yard while I was working in the flower garden between our house and Mrs. Clare's. I saw a young woman pushing her daughter in her stroller. She stopped to visit and guess who that was? Linda!

She stopped to visit and told me where she lived - only one block away. The next day I took Marty for a stroller ride past Linda's house. I was sure hoping to find that "stay at home" mom again. So, as I walked by the house, I sang Marty's name out loud, hoping she would hear me and come out with Kristine. It worked. I believe she was equally happy to find another mom in the neighborhood. And what a bonus to find that Marty and Kristine were only three months difference in age! It was the beginning of a long and fruitful friendship.

I also met Grandpa Krack that first Summer. I was outside again, and he walked by with a toddler in a stroller. I spoke to him.

Over the next couple of years we got to know each other and we even started to job. Both John and Nolan were running though not together. We continued until Linda announced that she was pregnant. We quit jogging at that point. Guess we weren't very smart about the need to exercise during pregnancy. Any way, six weeks later, so was I. There were actually three of us that were pregnant together, Linda, myself and Patty Reitzel.

Remember the old Drano test? We modern moms wanted to know the sex of our second children. So we located some old Drano to make the determination. We each used the first urine of the day and mixed it with the Drano. The resultant color I don't remember what they were other that Linda and Patty matched, and I didn't. We were not very sure what color was for what sex as well. As it turned out, Julia Reitzel was born on March 9 and Matthew Schleede was born on March 10. I had to wait another six weeks to find out whether I would have Emily or Stephen.

Since we didn't have much family in town, we bother. Birthdays, Easter, Memorial Day, Christmas, you name it, we were together. We even vacationed together a few times - going out West. The kids liked that best. Mart and Em thought they would not survive when the Schleede's went to see Jack and Edna in New York. "What will we do for 2 weeks?" I felt the same way with Linda gone.

During this time we were looking around for a church that would fit our family. John and Linda once said in passing, "What about Immanuel?" We hadn't considered it at that time, but attended while they were on vacation. Again, twenty years later we are still attending.

From swimming lessons, to soccer to tee-ball, to Barbies, the kids were together so much of the time. Sometimes we split the kids so the older ones were together and the younger ones were together. Other day,s you get the boys and I get the girls or vice versa.

Mart and Em liked to eat at your house since they could have Kool-ade with their macaroni and cheese. I do remember one particular day when the kids wanted to go to our McDonald's for lunch, but we didn't have the money. Instead, after driving around doing errands, we said we would take them to Terrie's Restaurant. They were quite excited until we pulled into the driveway. What a disappointment to learn where that restaurant was!

Over the years so many memories - from Sesame Street shirts, to woolen mittens, to moving away and then returning and then leaving again, it has been a wonderful ride. You guys are an important part of our family. Now the stakes are higher. We are talking about weddings and babies and illness. But as a family we will get through all of this. You are precious friends. We will hang on together.

Quote of the day

One man by himself is nothing. Two people who belong together make a world.
- Hans Margolius