Our Children Teach Us, January 21, 2013

While we try to teach our children all about life,

our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

Hello Family and Friends,

Greetings to all of you from San Diego, where it seems winter has passed and spring has arrived with temperatures in the mid 70s. Plans are being made for a family reunion this summer in Western Washington. At this point the thinking is that the first weekend in July, or the first weekend in August are the best possibilities. If you have a preference, or would like to weigh in on another possibility, please let me know. We need to set the date soon so plans can be made.

Happy Birthday to Dane and Nathan! Today is the birthday of Dane Shepard of New Castle, Oklahoma, and his son Nathan Ross Shepard, who were both born on the same day (several years apart, of course!). The first picture shows Nathan at Christmas last year. The second picture is an oldie from a family gathering in 1973 and shows Dane (on the right) with his cousin Darrell Shepard on the left.

Dane: This is Nathan's senior year and we have been involved in college applications and financial issues. For his first year, he will be attending Florida College in Temple Terrace, FL. He continues to be involved in advanced and stage band as a percussionist. He is competing in bowling tournaments now as well. He will attend the local JC for a class and finish up his home schooling courses this spring. He works about 20 hours a week at Chic-Fil-A. He will turn 17 on Monday. He enjoys all his activities, including church, and we are already missing him as we anticipate next fall.

2012 was a very challenging year with the passing of both my dad and a very dear friend and business partner, R. J. Stevens. It seems that I have not been exempt from health challenges as well. I have been using alternative health practitioners to get to the sources of the problem. I will be out of town for our birthday working with a church in Texas regarding congregational song worship. Cindy will "hold the fort" while I'm gone. I appreciate her support and patience in managing so many things including helping her mother. All in all, we have been blessed and are thankful for friends and family. 

We look forward to the possibility of seeing Jeff, Kim, Terry, Thelma and the family this June in MO. Thanks for keeping all of us in touch. Gratefully, Dane.

Happy Anniversary Havilah and Kevin! This Wednesday, January 23, is the 3rd wedding anniversary of Kevin and Havilah Colgain Wardle of Honolulu, Hawaii. Havilah's mother is Joan Shepard and her grandfather was Elmer Shepard who passed away just last year.

Havilah: After three big years we are closer than ever, we are stronger together, and we are going for our dreams together. It's amazing to be partners with someone who is so full of love and life. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Hawaii. It's the best thing we could have ever done. 

Next week we will be moving to Victoria Texas, for the next exciting step in our life! We celebrated our anniversary, a few days early, by going out on a whale watching cruise with our dive buddies. Mom was here for Christmas, and we had a blast. Got to take her diving, and exploring the island. We have another scuba addict in the family! Will keep you posted on our adventures =-)

Best wishes to Havilah and Kevin, especially as they move from "Paradise" to Texas.
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Steve Shepard