Examples

We have had the best examples possible. Both of our parents should be proud of the job they did raising us. I just pray the I can be the same for my kids some day.

My hobbies are pretty much the same as dad's , I love to run (distance especially) and read. My personality resembles mom's caring, sensitive and thoughtful. I love them so much that apparently I thought that I would like to take parts of who they are to make me who I am. Strong work ethic is something that both parents taught me (you have to earn what you get). They also taught me that things aren't always easy, struggles are part of life and something to learn from. Also that family is very important. We always made and effort to see family even thought we didn't live close to any of them.

I can't thank you enough for everything that you have done for me and given for me. I love you both very much.

Quote of the Day

You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without.

- Unknown

Favorite Memories

Vacations
1) We took two trips out west as a family, my memory is about the second. We had a pop-up camper and my parents had just bought a new minivan. We encountered a thunder and lightning storm and there had been trouble with the back window being sealed properly and Kristine had decided to sleep in the van and she got soaked because the window wasn't properly sealed.

2) Aruba - Our parents treated us to this fantastic vacation a few years ago. It is the first time that I have adult memories of our parents not skewed by being there child living under there rules.

3) This goes along with the first one but all of the national parks we went to as kids. Grand Canyons, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone(leaving the day before the fires scorched the park), Mesa Verde, Rocky Mountain.
Going in pars of two to take hikes because we couldn't take the dog with us.
Seeing all the bison up close at Yellowstone.
Seeing old faithful
Taking hikes at rocky mountain and seeing all the waterfalls
The list could go on for pages.

Growing up second
1) Holidays and all of our family traditions, of which I have had to amend to include Laura too.
2) Moving out west and back again.
3) Anna Street house (which is still my home in my mind)
4) The Kaisers
5) Mom asking the right people to let me be able to still attend Pullen Elementary when we moved to a new school district.
6) In Washington mom and dad letting me choose the school I wanted to go to and moving to that school district
7)Dad teaching me to drive a stick shift
8) Mom teaching in me to drive in a school parking lot
9) Playing with Kristine in the basement of the Anna Street house.
10) Picking up/out Duke
11)Dad taking me for my first run in college even though I was way slower than he was.
12) Laying on the couch with mom, Kristine and Kiki.
Of course there are tons more....

Congratulations

Kristine and I had great parents growing up. They were always there for us and provided everything that we could ever need/want. 35 years together is a great accomplishment and something that we have been blessed to see and be part of. Congratulations!

Love
Matt

A Letter from Susan

Dear Linda and John (aka Skip),

Congratulations on your 35th wedding anniversary! Linda you have been a friend for more than 35 years since we were sorority sisters in Alpha Phi Delta at Valparaiso University. Both you and Skip were my anchor when I was homesick and finding my way being in the Midwest. But I think I was a pretty good matchmaker!

We have spent almost every Thanksgiving with each other over the 35 years. I was a bridesmaid in your wedding in Chicago. You both cam to Jim and my wedding with Kristine in Valparaiso right back from Hawaii and jumped right in to help with mending my wedding dress.

The first picture we have sent are of you and Kristine and Matt at Jason's baptism. You were alredy at the house for while helping us take care of Jason since Jim was weak from the heart virus and I had a c-section. Your support helped to make the transition to motherhood easier. Linda, you even helped me cut Jason's fingernails for the first time.

The second picture we have sent is month after Jason's first birthday when Jim and I were going to Vanderbilt to see if they could help with Jim's condition. I think Skip celebrated his 40th? birthday with us.

You are a wonderful couple who have traveled an interesting journey that has taken you to many interesting places and experiences. We hope you enjoy many years to come.

Happy Anniversary!

God bless you!
Jim, Sue and Jason