Keep Christ in Christmas

Here's my Christmas sermon:

Most, if not all of us, celebrate Christmas, but unfortunately few of us attend worship services to give thanks and praise for the birth of Jesus Christ, even at Christmas. Let's make this Christmas extra special -- even if you don't regularly attend church, pick any church (I'm sure they'd be glad to have you), and attend services on Christmas Eve. At the very least, set aside half an hour on Christmas Eve to read the Bible or the story of the very first Christmas, and to pray God to thank Him for the birth of Jesus and all that he has done for us.
Amen.

What do you want for Christmas?

I remember as a little girl, when we would go to the Dennison family Christmas party, always held Christmas Day afternoon, everyone would ask, "What did Santa bring you?" and then "What did you get for Christmas?"
So... what are you hoping for this Christmas -- that is, besides all the "right" answers -- health for you and yours, happiness, world peace, etc... what material things are you hoping for?

Louka's big wish list item is IClops -- it's a magnifying glass that you hook up to your TV so you can see all the little things up close on the TV.
April's hoping for a digital camera, Kali a ZUNE, mp3 player, Jasmine and Rose stuff for their cell phones and apartments. Louie wants anything Chevelle and Tammy's hoping for a carbon monoxide/gas detector.

I think they've all been pretty good - but we'll have to see what Santa says.

So is everybody done with their Christmas shopping? We've gone a TON to do, this weekend will be crunch time.

Slippin' an' a slidin'

Oh, these Wisconsin winters --

The Pomplun family (and we've heard others) have had quite a winter -- even with our four wheel drive cars. Don't worry, no serious injuries, as far as we know, just a little banged up.
Jasmine slid into a car in Janesville about a month ago.
Someone did a hit and run on our suburban in Madison about two weeks ago.
Louie was t-boned a week ago in Janesville, totaled his S-10.
Jasmine slid into a ditch in Evansville that night, no damages or pain.

We also heard Cassandra hit a telephone pole driving home from work and totaled her PT Cruiser.

God must be with us.

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

I was looking through old pics and lookie what I found! I had the year as 1970, don't know if that's correct. Alice is missing - was she the photographer?

Janna's engagement announcement

Janna's engagement announcement was listed in the Janesville Gazette this weekend. Doesn't she look adorable? Click on the image to enlarge and read it. I had to fold the paper to get the date of the paper, name of the paper as well as the announcement.
Congrats to Janna and Adam!

December Special Events

Happy Birthday to:

Dec. 8, 2005 Emma _____ Traxler
Dec. 23, 1980 Brett Jacob Burns
Dec. 25, 0 Baby Jesus
Dec. 26, 2005 Aurora Lynn Marie Voegeli
Dec. 27, 1997 Lindsey Rose Weber - 10 years old!

Happy Anniversary to:
Dec. 1, 1972 David and Sue Boettcher - 35 years of bliss!

In Memory Of;
Dec. 14, 1951 Rebecca Lynn (Dennison) Traxler

Busy Kids

(Louka is second from left.)

We're so lucky that our kids are able to experience so many things.

Louka is in karate two to three times a week, attends Sunday School faithfully (Lutheran, yah... that's another story), and Spanish class on Thursday after school. He just finished up soccer and will start again in the spring.

April takes hip hop dance class and has her horses. She just finished volleyball. She joined the Student Advocate newspaper as photographer and ended up writing two stories (front page story, no less) but she told them she couldn't do it anymore since it was taking too much time from her horses and friends. She's also in 4-H

As a kid, I remember taking piano, 4-H, Girl Scout, baton lessons, guitar lessons.

Lucky kids. Do we know and appreciate how fortunate we are?

The Mad Dash

Preparing for the Mad Dash, going over sales fliers on Thanksgiving.

Day after Thanksgiving: The Mad Dash

The Pomplun ladies spent the day after Thanksgiving as a part of the mad shopping society. Rose, Kali, April and Rose's friend Jen, spent Thanksgiving night at Jasmine's apartment in Janesville. Apparently, none of them slept! At 2 a.m., Jasmine and Eric went to Toys R Us for the 4 a.m. opening to get the advertised "Zune's" (a mp3 player). Rose, Jen, Kali and April went to Kohls for the 5 a.m. opening to get various items. Jasmine and Eric were fifth and sixth in line. There were only six of the advertised Zune's. They were lucky. The lady behind them was not.

We need to contact our legislators to start a bill that says a store may not advertise a product unless it has XX amount (100 quantity, or enough to satisfy the first 50 customers or whatever). Several stores did the same thing, advertised something in a national flier, then each store only had three, or five, or nine or whatever very limited quantities. This is classic bait and switch, which is illegal. Get people in the store by advertising something cheap and inexpensive (two different things), then "switch" them to buying something more expensive. RIP OFF! We will be contacting the Better Business Bureau and our legislators, even though we weren't the ones who were ripped off, this time at least.

The boys? Smart guys stayed in bed. Hmmmm... next year I give them the list!

We did get a lot of things on our list and saved mucho money -- although I'm sure we would have saved a lot more had we just not gone shopping and skipped Christmas gift giving! No? You sure??

Thanksgiving Day

What a wonderful day! Thanksgiving 2007 for the Pomplun Family was celebrated at the Pomplun home, 440 S. 2nd St. Attending were Grandma Linda, the Louie and Tammy Pomplun family, Eric Rife (Jasmine's boyfriend) and Jen (Rose's friend). A huge feast with WAAAYYY too much food served on fine china and Mikasa crystal was held at noon, followed by the clan (not Grandma Linda) going to see the movie (a tradition) "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" in Janesville, then shopping, yes, shopping at Shopko. It was a wonderful day!

Grandma Linda and Louka playing "Booby Trap" a game Tammy, Lisa and Linda used to play when the girls were younger. (Tammy bought it off E-bay.)

Grandpa Harry's Peanut Brittle

For the younger ones who don't remember, Grandpa Harry Dennison was a MASTER peanut brittle maker. He made a thick, old-fashioned "foamy" peanut brittle, as they call it, not the flat stuff they sell in stores. Don't be fooled by the word foamy - it was still hard and crunchy.
I remember as a child going over to Grandpa's to make peanut brittle. It took forever but it was well worth the wait!
I've written a story about making peanut brittle with Grandpa. I asked for, and received, his special peanut brittle making pot. I'm sure it's made of lead or aluminum, or some other unhealthy metal, but it's a integral part of perfect peanut brittle.
So anyway, I've made two batches already this season and neither one, of course, was as good as Grandpas. The first, I didn't have any vanilla, so I had to finish without (no time to run to the store, peanut brittle requires precise timing). So it didn't have that great flavor, but was edible. The second batch cooked just a little bit too long, and had sort of a burnt flavor. The kids and I ate it anyway. I need to get some more raw peanuts to try again. Someday I'll get it right.

Happy Birthday Tiffanee, Nov. 18-25, 1980

May God forgive all my sins and one day allow me into Heaven for a Mother and Child Reunion

(Click the arrow to play song)

Uncle Art's Service Noted in the Local Newspaper

Click on the newspaper image to enlarge it.
Uncle Art made the local newspaper this week, The Evansville Review. As some of you know, I am a reporter for the newspaper, but the "In Review" section is researched and compiled by Ruth Ann Montgomery, I can't take credit for it. (I had to fold the paper to scan it and get the whole thing in.)
We love you Uncle Art. Thank you for ensuring our freedom and others'.

Thanksgiving

What's everyone doing for Thanksgiving?

The Pomplun family tradition is to get together with Linda, and sometimes others, for a big noon dinner. Usually Linda or one of the little kids leads us in prayer and then we go around the table and say what we are thankful for.
After the meal we go see a movie (NO POPCORN!!!). Before Thanksgiving, we put up the Nativity, our first Christmas decoration. Thanksgiving night we begin putting up other decorations. Of course, we love shopping on the next day, trying to get all the bargains (but they're all usually gone before we get there!)

What did the Dennison's do to celebrate Thanksgiving as kids? Where did you celebrate? Who attended besides the immediate family? Who prepared the food? What were some of the foods served? Please let your children and grandchildren learn about your lives as kids by adding a comment.

Veterans

Thanks to Linda for this post idea!

Veterans Day is coming soon, Monday, November 12 and while we are all VERY proud of our family's Veteran's, we don't often remember to thank them. Please help me complete this list of the Dennison Veterans and the service they completed, so we can all remember to thank them this year. Add the names of your in-laws, friends, etc. if you wish.
I'd like to include title, branch of military, dates of enlistment, places of service

Sgt. Arthur Dennison, retired, US Army, Germany, Vietnam

Dennis Burns, Vietnam, Cu-Chi and Battle of Renegade Woods
David Boettcher, Germany, Gulf War/Desert Storm
Curtis Traxler
David Jay Boettcher

What about our ancestors? Did any of them fight in the Civil War, WWI or II or any others?

BTW, Louka Landry Lester Pomplun and his father Louis Lester Pomplun are named for Louie's uncle, Lester Pomplun, who served in the Navy and died in World War II in the Battle of Leyte Gulf from a torpedo attack. The Pompluns were so kindly given a picture of Uncle Lester in military gear, still in it's original frame, which now graces their hallway.

Louie's nephew, Kris Pomplun, who lived with them for a year while he was in high school, is currently in the US Navy. Pray for him, that he may not have to see active duty in a war-torn area and that this current war will soon be resolved so all our honorable men can come home.

Are careers genetic?

Are career choices driven by genetics? I've heard it said, and it seems to be true, that the Dennisons are good in math and literature. There are also many "helpers" in the "blood" family but few very scientists or historians (I think just Tania, with the DNR)

Anna Dennison was a poet, I remember quite well.
Harry Dennison was wonderful with numbers, even though he only went to the eighth grade. I remember he taught me how to multiply by nine using your fingers.

For the younger ones, see if you can understand what he taught me:

Hold up all 10 fingers in front of you so you are looking at them. To multiple by nine, counting from left to right, bend down whatever finger you are multiplying by nine.
For example, if you want to know nine by six. Counting left to right, you would end up bending down your right hand thumb. Then you simply say how many numbers are left standing, with a break in between the space of the finger you bent down. With your right thumb bent down, you have the five fingers on the left (5) and the four fingers on your right hand (4), put together making 54. 9 x 6 is 54. It works!

So, this is the just of the story:
Let's think about the careers of the Dennison.
For numbers, we have Bev, Sue and Tammy who have all worked in banking. Alice, Dawn and Tracy are in accounting. Lance and Cassandra must use numbers in their business management.
For literature, Judy and Tammy like to write.
For "helpers," there's Linda, Judy and Lisa in the medical field and I guess Becky was a helper, as a devoted mother. Jasmine and Rose are both helpers, and Jasmine is going into the medical field. Rose is also a numbers person.
I really don't know what Brenda does. Can someone tell me?

What about the Dennison grandchildren and other relatives? Jay, Janna, Shona, Bret, Amanda, Kim, Crystal, Cole, Katelyn - what are their best subject areas?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost upon us? Linda had a tradition she liked to do. Before the Thanksgiving meal, and after the prayer, she wants everyone to say one thing for which they are thankful.

Let's do that here, and now.

What are you thankful for?

Here's Tammy's:
For my husband, children and mother; for the belief in God and a Heaven; for having everything we need and a whole lot more; for having been able to be an at-home mom; for being able to use my creativity writing and sewing; for living in Evansville; for all our relatives; for our neighbors and friends, especially Emmy and Gary, Karen, the Alisankus', for living in America and our Veterans; and for being born a woman.

Please add yours under comments.

Trick or Treat: Kids Come Home For The Holidays

Do your kids come home for the holidays -- Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter? Yes? Mine do too, not only for those but also for -- you guessed it -- trick or treating on Halloween!
Here's some pics of everyone getting goofy at Halloween.
We had a great time. This year at the Pomplun house, there was a little "surprise" package on the foyer -- a little fake doggie do-do, which Tammy pointed out to everyone and then shocked them by picking it up and "accidentally" dropping on them. At the Pomplun house, kids have to spin a wheel to get a treat -- the wheel can land on "Do a little dance, get a little treat" or "Sing a little song, get a little sweet" or "No candy." Of course, everyone walks away with handfuls!
Fun day!

6-7-8 - A Magical Date!

6-7-8:
June 7, 2008 is bound to be a big day!

Not only are Janna and Adam getting married, but a reliable source, Alice, has announced that Lance and Michelle are expecting their first baby around that time!

Congrats to all!

November Special Events

Nov. 15, 1946 Arthur Wayne Dennison
Nov. 26, 1981 Kimberley Arlene Traxler
Nov. 27, 1981 Janna Sue Boettcher

In Memory:
Nov. 18-25, 1980 Tiffanee Amber Babler-Hurtley

Anna's favorite vacation spot, Branson

This one comes from Judy:

Many years ago, in 1999, Mom (Anna Dennison) and I took a bus trip to Branson, Mo. Mom was very excited about this trip as she was going to see the Osmonds, her favorite entertainers. After the show we stood in line for about one hour to get autographs. There were six boys, including Donny. Mom got her six autographs plus six kisses. She did not wash her face for the five days we were there. The next day we got to see the Rockettes and Andy Williams. About a week after we got home, we both got a Christmas card from Andy Williams. I still have mine. Mom took many trips with Bob and I over the years and we could tell you many funny stories about her. I will send some photos of her in her younger days. She has several cousins who are still living and they share a lot of information with me about her. She was a very funny, intelligent, gentle and interesting person and I miss her dearly, but I see a lot of her through Becka.

Harry, Heritage House and Teddy Bears

This one comes from Judy:

"Many years ago when I was living with Dad (Harry Dennison) down by the Wyler School he took me to the Heritage House in Madison for supper for my birthday, and I don't remember how old I was. Anyway they had a gift shop there and I saw this big white bear that I just loved but it cost $60. We were getting ready to leave to come back home and here is Dad with this big bear. Well, I was really shocked and never expected him to get that bear for me. Also, I felt guilty because he had spent so much. So I gave him $30 (half the cost of the bear). That bear has been with me for many years and survived a fire in 1996. Today "Dirty Harry" sits on top of my cedar chest. After Dad died I was talking to my sister Dawn and was telling her this story and she laughed and I couldn't understand why she thought this was funny. She told me that Dad got the bear free from the owner of the restaurant as they were good friends. I was out $30 and I'm sure Dad got a big kick out of it. Well, as they say, "There's a sucker born every minute."

First Cars

What was your first car and when did you get it?

I've been told Linda got her driver's license before she turned 16 because she needed to drive the kids places, since Grandma Anna couldn't drive. I've also heard she drove people around in a pickup truck. Is that correct?

Tammy's first car was a 73 Vega she got before she got her driver's license. Shortly afterward, the motor fell out as the bolts rusted through -- while she was driving it. She then got another Vega, which she failed to put oil in and blew the motor. Then she got a 76 Nova, and also a 70 Chevelle. Dang, to have those cars now!!!

I remember Curt also had a Nova, I think a 73, that a tree fell on in Hanover.

Rose's first car was a dark blue Pontiac G3, I think. Millions of miles on it, but she liked it. Then she got a white Grand Am, that has been passed down to Jasmine and Kali.
Now she drives a green Grand Prix, but is looking for a SUV or mini van.

Jasmine's first car was a black Cavalier. Then she got the white Grand Am from Rose and later a red Grand Am that was Ashley's (Cole's Ashley) that Louie fixed for her after she was broadsided.

Kali's first car, and still car, is the white Grand Am. She'd like a new one, but hasn't been able to save any money, so good luck!

I'm pretty sure the white Grand Am will be dead before April gets her license in a year and a half. So, she'll probably get our great big suburban, since it'll haul a horse trailer for her horses. JUST KIDDING, APRIL.

What was your first car? When did you get it (they year or your age)?

First Apartments

Jasmine moved into her first apartment in Janesville, near the mall. It's cute, and in a good neighborhood (I think). She's working hard, going to school full-time and working about 25 hours a week. Jasmine's also lived in two different dorm rooms.

Rose just moved out of her apartment and is temporarily staying at home and/or with friends. She's looking for a one-bedroom in Janesville in a good location. Any suggestions where to go/ not to go? Rose has lived in four different dorm rooms, rented a room in a house, and had an apartment in Deerfield.

I understand Janna and Adam have moved to a new apartment in Madison. Last I heard Katie had an apartment in Whitewater, although that's been a while, and Kimmy had an apartment in downtown Janesville, across from the library.

I actually lived in the same apartment, as a college student, that my parents and I lived in when I was a baby, above Dr. Heimerl's dentist office on Madison Street in Evansville. I also lived in another apartment in Evansville, across from the post office. Louie and I had a rent-to-own land contract on a trailer between Janesville and Evansville, which we sold to my dad.

Do you recall your first apartment? I remember when both Alice and Judy (separately) lived in Madison off Park Street. I doubt they'd live there today. Times have changed. Judy also had an apartment in Evansville, on Main Street, and across the street at a different time, Brenda had an apartment. I remember Dawn and Judy's apartment in Tennessee when Cole was born and Brenda living in an apartment on Union Street (Highway 14) in Evansville when Dustin was born. I don't recall Becky living in an apartment, but I do remember she and Curt living in a trailer on Curt's father's farm. I also remember Sue and Dave living in a trailer, first off Kellogg Avenue in Janesville, then in the country between Janesville and Milton. I remember Bev living in a small brick cottage house on Highway 14 towards Madison.

Please add any memories you have of your first apartment.

Dimples and cowlicks

Aunt Alice told me a poem she recited to Grace Weber, who has a dimple in her chin
"Dimple on the chin
means the devil is within."
Of course, that isn't literal, since Grace Weber is an angel (this is from her unbiased Aunt Tammy) -- it means they can be a little stinker sometimes (except Grace, of course).
Which of the Dennison's have dimpled chins? I think Becky did.

Tammy has two dimples on her elbows and so do some of her girls. Anyone else?

Anyone have dimples on your cheeks? Tammy has one on her right cheek only.

I've heard some of us have dimples on their other cheeks, further south. Is this a Dennison trait? (Not me, in case you were wondering).



What about cowlicks? We all know where they come from (see photo). Tammy and Kali have fierce ones. Anyone else?

Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching. April, at 14, still goes out with her friends trick-or-treating. She does get the "aren't you too old" comment, but she and her friends don't care. One person's negativity isn't going to cause her to miss out on a bag of candy. Last year she and her friends painted and decorated some boxes as taxis. This year, they are thinking of going as vampires. The year before she had one of those inflatable costumes of a man riding a flamingo.

Louka isn't fully set on what he wants to be, he changes his mind daily. In the past few years, we bought him a bunch of costumes after Halloween at 75 percent off, $3-4 dollars. We keep the costumes in a bucket in his room and he and his friends love to play dress up. I think he's going to be the "Thing" from Fantastic Four. The Thing is a rocky hulk type man. He's always been "boy" things, like Spiderman, etc.

Nowadays, we buy the kids' costumes, but when the girls were little, I loved sewing their costumes. For their first Halloween, each of them wore a pumpkin costume I made when Rose was one. Later, we got made up some of their costumes from fancy dresses at Goodwill.

Times have changed from when we were kids and we made up our own costumes, with little forethought. I remember going as a ghost one year, a farmer in overalls another year.

But there was one year I remember clearly, Mom helped Lisa and I make paper mache heads. I was a pumpkin, Lisa was a black cat. She helped us make a lot of craft type things. I remember another craft she had us make was a wall hanging with an animal made of fake fur on a tweed background. Another time we made an angel wallhanging out of curled pipecleaners on a purple felt background.

Halloween traditions? Our family (and I growing up) go trick or treating around town on Halloween night. We dump out our treats and sort through them, chocolates together, suckers together, etc., and mom and dad inspect them. I remember my favorite house was Mrs. Holdens on South Second Street. She always gave out popcorn balls. We got to eat them since we knew Mrs. Holden and that she was the one who gave them to us. As an adult, I used to take my kids there, but now she's in the nursing home. (Wonder if she has access to the kitchen -- I love those popcorn balls, I remember Mom used to make them too, mostly at Christmas.) Nowadays, unless we know the giver, the kids can't eat anything that isn't wrapped, including cookies and apples. They end up in the trash. Now there's a sad state of affairs! I also remember getting candy cigarettes in my Halloween sack. I see they still have them, but they've been renamed candy sticks.

One of us stays home to pass out candy, and we give good treats (chocolates!). We also have a little spinning wheel that we make the kids play before they take a treat. After spinning, it will land on "take one treat" or "take two treats" or "do a little dance, get a little treat" or "no treats." The kids seem to like playing it. After everyone spins, everyone gets two treats, even those who landed on "no treats."

A few weeks before Halloween, we pick out pumpkins that we carve and roast and eat the seeds. One year we got one of those giant pumpkins. Kali ate too many seeds and didn't "go" for a week. I threatened the doctor would have to get them out somehow (I was a little more explicit, think about it) and then she went. I don't remember where we got our pumpkins as kids; now we go to farms that have special events along with picking out pumpkins, like hayrides, or petting farms. A couple of years we grew pumpkins in our backyard, but still got a couple farm-bought ones.

Something I never did as a child (it wasn't offered) but my kids do is go to the school's Halloween carnival. The kids wear their costumes and play games for a quarter and win a junky prize. It's a great time and the school raises a lot of money. We always volunteer to help out. In fact, I was one of the first people to help organize the event in Evansville when Rose was in kindergarten.

What did the Dennison kids do growing up for Halloween? Did you dress up? Like what? Did you go door-to-door for treats? Did you carve pumpkins? Did you grow them? Please tell me and the other children/grandchildren/great grandchildren what things were like when you were growing up.

Get a Mammo - do it for Becky

This is it, October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and here's the list of people to loving "harass" -- call them and ask when they've had their last mammogram. If it's not in the last year (or two), bug them about it until they've made their appointment!!!!

Here's the beginning list of people to call (please comment when they're done so we can quit bugging them!):

Bev,
Judy,
Sue,
Brenda,
Lisa,
Tracy,
Tania -- Past due!!! Please, do it for Grace, Tania.
Patty.

These ones were reported up-to-date:
Linda (done 2007),
Alice (done 2007),
Dawn (done 2007),
Tammy (done 2006, due 2008),

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In memory of our beloved Rebecca Lynn Dennison Traxler, who died of breast cancer, please get your mammogram! And remember to do your daily self-exams.

Think this is too private to talk about? Don't! We need to support each other to keep ourselves healthy and alive. Please list when you last had yours. That way, we can all encourage those who haven't posted to get their's done!

To everyone reading this blog entry, beginning Oct. 1, call everyone in the family who has not replied to this blog and remind them to set up an appointment -- because we love them!

Others to consider: Cassandra, Shona, Amanda, Deanna, Michelle, (are they old enough?). Add others as you so feel moved, your in-laws and friends - hey, turn the other cheek and remind even your enemies.

Dennisons, we have a verifiable history of breast cancer -- Becky Traxler and was it Eva? Dennison? Two different generations. Let's prevent a third generation of dying from this disease. Early detection is the key through mammograms and self-examination.

Just do it.

In memory of Becky.

It could be you

Need more convincing?
Here's a few more people I know who have battled breast cancer:

Teri Schmidt, currently undergoing chemo

Nell Weisensel, currently undergoing chemo

Mary Calley, in remission/caught it, beat it

Joyce Pease, died of breast cancer

Add your own to the list.

Memories of Becky

Now here's a topic I'm sure everyone will have something to say about: Memories of Becky. In memory of Becky, during this month of Breast Cancer Awareness, please comment with some of your best memories of Rebecca Lynn Dennison Traxler.

Here are mine:

I remember going to Canada with her and Curt and baby Cassandra. Linda watched Cassandra and Becky and I went for a long walk up to the rock. Curt snuck up behind us and took some pics, that I still have.

I remember that fiesty little Kali went up to Becky's face, out of the blue, one Christmas, and screamed, blahh, or something. And Becky did the same back. Kali couldn't believe it. She had met her match!

I remember cruising the "circuit" in Janesville with Curt and Becky, and Louie and I brought along one of Cassandra or Amanda's dolls that they had cut all the hair and magic markered the face. It was so ugly! We'd pull up next to another car and flash them with the doll, then take off!

I remember her ALWAYS folding laundry. I thought it was never ending. Now that I have five of my own, I see it really WAS never ending!

I remember that she was one of the first people to treat me like an adult -- in that transition time between the teenage and young adult years. It meant a lot. I really respected her, and admired her, and later when I had my own young children, really identified with her.

October Birthdays

Happy October Birthdays to:

Braeden Boettcher, who's turning 1!
Katelyn Crans, who's turning 21!
Tania Bolden, who's turning 40!

Oct. 3, 1975 Amanda Jo Traxler
Oct. 4, 1994 Megan _____ Bailey
Oct. 5, 2001 Jonathan Charles Weber
Oct. 9, 1976 David and Beverly Crans anniv.
Oct. 14, 1986 Katelyn Alice Crans
Oct. 21, 1967 Tania Rae (Lambert) Bolden
Oct. 25, 2006 Braeden _______ Boettcher

We remember:
Sandi (Boettcher) Pondi, who died Oct. 14, 1997 -- 10 years ago
Charles LeRoy Babler, who was born Oct. 2, 1935

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad, Oct. 2. I'm sorry I can't see you to say it here on Earth, but I know you see me and know how much I miss you.

Dad, I remember the good times, when you were happy, like when you played the harmonica (especially "Pop goes the Weasel") or you detached your thumb (I wish you could show that to my son) or when you cupped your hands together and hooted like an owl or a morning dove or when you did the chicken dance, yes the chicken dance, with your hands under your pits, picking up your legs and strutting like a chicken with your head bobbing.
I remember playing cribbage and yahtzee with you before you went to work, waiting for the Patrol Car to pick you up, you chewing spearmint gum, looking so sharp in your police uniform. I remember Lisa and I having to pull off your tall, black work boots, the two of us had trouble doing it together. I remember hearing you cry after you had just responded to accident scenes (the Bone tree incident and Mrs. Muhulland's death by her husband's gunshot (dad not knowing if it was accidental or not) and when your dad died. Few people saw this side of you.
I remember watching Charlie Brown Christmas and eating popcorn and drinking pepsi from glass bottles poured into cups with ice.
I remember the pride of having you as a Dad.
I remember living on Madison Street and you showed me a giant Monarch butterfly and you chasing after the boys who smashed our pumpkin that you put on display on a metal barrel.
I remember the trips to Canada, and boating with other families in the summer, drinking sundrop and listening to Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
I remember camping in Dodgeville and your love of making (but not so much eating) pudgie pies. Thanks, by the way, for the pudgie pie irons I got after you died.
I remember you always remodeling the house -- the attic, front entry and the laundry room on Madison Street, the bar room in the 2nd Street House. I remember when you added on the laundry room on Madison Street, two little birds were displaced -- instead of abandoning them, you brought them in for us to care for and raise, and we did, and we released them, Crackers and Corky.
I remember you loved trading things -- mostly guns. I got my guitar that way, I still have it. I need to teach April and Louka how to play. You also got a huge aquarium trading too, and other stuff you didn't really need, but loved to trade.
I remember how you loved little Tiger, our pomeranian.

I remember you got me a 45 record, "Daddy don't you walk so fast" by Wayne Newton. I hadn't heard of it before you got it for me, but I loved it. I still have it.

"The love between the two of us was dying
and it got so bad I knew I had to leave
But halfway down that highway
when I turned around I saw
my little daughter running after me
I heard,
Daddy don't you walk so fast,
Daddy don't you walk so fast,
Daddy, slow down some
cause you're making me run,
Daddy don't you walk so fast.

Now it broke my heart to tell my little daughter
that her daddy had to run to catch a train
she had no way of knowing that I was leaving home for good.
I turned around and there she was again.

Daddy don't you walk so fast,
My darling cried,
Daddy don't you walk so fast,
Daddy, slow down some,
cause you're making me run,
Daddy don't you walk so fast."

Don't get me wrong, I do remember the bad times too, and there were a lot of really bad times, mostly for mom, but it is over. I choose to think about the good times and honor the good person in you.

Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father. I do. Happy Birthday Dad, Oct. 2, 1935- Dec. 2, 2002

Knock Em Down

Speaking of my aunties taking me to the "Wee Store" for a glass bottle of flavored soda, I remember this "cheer" my aunties taught me (I think it was mostly Dawn)!

Pepsi-cola
Coca-cola
Royal Crown
We're going to
hip-no-tize em
boom-er-ize em
Knock em down!

Dawn also taught me how to tie my shoes, how to make a belt out of gum wrappers (like juicy fruit wrappers), and how to make a blanket using the hairpin lace crochet. She was a lot like a big sister that way!

Miss Mady Turns Two

A great celebration was held at Gamma and Popa Cronin's house on Sat., Sept 22 for Miss Mady's 2nd Birthday (actual birthday is the 23rd). In addition to Gamma and Popa Cronin, Mommy and Daddy, and Auntie Becka, also attending were (figure this one out) second cousin once removed Louka and first cousin once removed Tammy and Louie, Great Aunts Sue, Bev, Linda, Judy and Great Uncle Bobby.

Dennisons, do you remember your childhood birthday celebrations? How did you mark the day? Did you have cake and ice cream? What were your favorite gifts?

Day with Grandma

Kali, April and Louka (and Tammy) had a great day visiting Grandma Linda on Sunday, Sept. 9. Olivia, Lindsey, Grace and Jon came over too, and we all had a great time, with the boys rough-housing and the girls talking about school and stuff. We all went for a walk for ice cream, but the shoppe was closed, so we all got treats at the gas station. Several kids had dibs (ice cream bits coated with chocolate), Kali had capacchino, Louka had popcorn.

Dennisons, do any of you remember the "Wee Store" I think it was called, on the corner of Main and Madison? Tammy remembers her aunties walking her down there for a cold glass bottle of flavored soda (grape, etc.). Tammy kept a collection of bottle caps for a long time, but threw them out as a young adult (what a shame).

Other snacks Tammy recalls her aunties and Grandma Anna Dennison giving her were saltine crackers (always), bananas and Oreos and white bread with sugar sprinkled on it. White bread with sugar sprinkled on it? Yuck. But as I recall the Dennison girls loved it. At Grandpa Harry Dennison's house, he used to make frosting out of confectioners sugar and water and spread it on graham crackers for a treat. What other foods/treats did you eat as kids that we wouldn't consider eating now? Louie recalls eating potatoes right out of his garden and eating lard sandwiches for lunch. Double yuck! My, how "treats" and our eating habits have changed.

Pleasant Prairie School

Here's a pic of the Pleasant Prairie School, which has been converted into a single family house. How many of the Dennison attended school here? What are your memories of the school, of the teachers, of what you learned, of getting there? PLEASE add anything you remember.

Little House in the Country

I happened to go to Brooklyn the other day and took the back roads, since Lou and I love going on country rides. I snapped a pic of the farm house the Dennison's grew up in. Was the shed by the house when you were growing up? How about the addition on the back? What color was the house then? How many bedrooms did it have for the nine children? Describe the house, the floors, the colors of the wall, the furniture, anything.

PLEASE add your memories about growing up in the Little House in the Country.

September Celebrations and Memories

Here's a list of this month's birthdays, anniversaries and other. Please add anyone I have missed, or info I don't have (middle names).

Sept. 3, 1988 Jeff and Lisa Weber anniv.
Sept. 11, 1909 Harry Sylvester Dennison born
Sept. 13, 2001 Emily Mae Boettcher
Sept. 14, 1974 David Jay Boettcher
Sept. 15, 1965 Tracy Dee (Lambert) Bailey
Sept. 19, 1965 Lisa Renee (Babler) Weber
Sept. 20, 1960 Chris _____Cronin
Sept. 20, 2001 Anna Lavelle (Cole) Dennison died
Sept. 22, 1990 Judy and Bobbie Anniversary
Sept. 23, 2005 Madlyn Ann Cronin
Sept. 28, 1985 Joyce _____Cole

Diets and Global Warming

I recently read a very interesting article in the Reader's Digest, which I find to be a credible source. In the August 2007 issue, on page 17, it says, "...agricultural animals produce more greenhouse gases than all the world's cars and trucks combined... According to a study at the University of Chicago, adopting a vegan diet does more to reduce global warming than switching to a Toyota Prius."

So here it is, another very good reason to give up meat.

Tammy has been a lacto-ova (meaning we eat dairy products and eggs but not seafood or chicken) vegetarian since 1976. Rose and April are both vegetarians as well. Rose does not drink milk. I understand Judy eats very little meat, especially red meat. Anyone else vegetarian?

Animals, animals, animals

We've had a veritable zoo in the Pomplun household, mostly because of April. Some of the pets we have owned include:

-Anna Belle (a cat Tammy had from a kitten in 1982 to the cat's death of old age in the late 90s);
-Sylvester (a wild cat we tried unsuccessfully to tame while living in the Fellows Trailer Court on Highway 14, Evansville) -- get it? Anna and Sylvester (Harry Dennison's middle name);
-A black cocker spaniel given to them by the Boettchers, but with three little kids (and Louie :) Tammy couldn't care for them all, and gave him back to the Boettchers;
-Buddy, a collie that bit a kid playing at our house so we gave him to a friend who gave him a good home, until he spooked when walking with his owner in a rainstorm and ran in front of a car;
-April (aka Fatcat) and May Basket - two cats Louie brought home - April disappeared, we still have May;
-Spice and Sport, brother and sister border collie dogs we got as puppies in 1998 and still have. Spice suffered a back injury this spring and became paralyzed in her back legs. She has been on steroids and antiinflamatories, painkillers since then and is regaining some use (she doesn't seem to be in any pain);
-Rabbits, a white one (can't remember his name) and Jasmine had a brown lap-eared one she called Aladdin (get it, Jasmine and Aladdin?)
-Three parakeets, a loving green/blue pair - the male died and we got a new one that was VERY noisy and messy, so we gave them to a friend;
-A salamander;
-Spike, a hedgehog that was given to us;
-Chilly, a chinchilla we found in the neighbor's driveway, seriously, another single neighbor had a fire in his home and died in the fire, we found out he had chinchillas;
-Three Russian Dwarf Hamsters - one the ferret got (see next entry), one died of wet-tail (diarrhea TMI), the other, named Dasher, aka Booger, lived a long life only after the cat got it and we spent $200 to have it's injured leg amputated (yep, really);
-Two ferrets, both given to us separately, Tabby and Josie. Josie died of old age. Tabby April still has;
-Two horses, Sugar, who threw April and caused innumerable medical costs (to the insurance company), and Melody, both of whom she still has, but may sell Melody, now that she's getting ready for college;
-A rat that Rose is having us "temporarily babysit" (yah, right);
-A cluster (prob. not the right word) of hermit crabs;
-A frenzy of sea monkeys -- yes those old novelty pets from the 70s are still around and going strong (although all of ours died);
-A goldfish that Louka won at the Rock County 4-H fair.

Anyone have any pets we haven't had? How about a monkey? No? Raccoon? Squirrel?

Tammy grew up around animals and has had many since. In college, Tammy found a baby squirrel she hand raised and let go and a baby owl that she gave to an animal rescue center. She had two beautiful Irish Setters she couldn't possibly care for but was so sad to give away, Ashley and Autumn. About this same time, she found Anna Belle (see above reference), a kitten that she found in the parking lot of the All N One, a gas station in Evansville.

She recalls that when she was a kid, her dad, as a police officer, was often sent to "get rid" of the pests, but he didn't have the heart for it, and would bring them home and later release them, including raccoons. Say what you will about Chuck, he had a very soft heart for animals. As much as he liked guns, he wasn't really a hunter, although he did do some pheasant hunting, if I recall correctly. He often told about raising a skunk as a kid. One of Tammy's best memories (as an adult, with her father and Louie and Char) was when they went boating and Chuck was so excited about a family of ducks.
The Babler family also hand raised some sparrows, Corky and Crackers when Tammy and Lisa were young. Uncle Gary Babler had pet raccoons, Gunky and Wally, that he would bring along when he visited the family.
The Babler family also had a dog when Tammy was a baby, Tupper, a German shepherd; two dogs, Tammy, a border collie named before the dog was given to us, and Tiger, a pomeranian and I think a cat. Later, Lisa got two cats, Rufus and Renee, who Linda kept and loved after Tammy and Lisa moved out. Not really a cat person, Linda sure love those cats and was so sad when they died. Linda now has a cat, who we call Great-Grandma Anna Dennison incarnate. She treats that cat, "The" Prince, with the emphasis on "The," better than us (well almost, no really!) but like he is Grandma and she must take care of him. We even joke that we (Lisa and I) have been excluded from the will and all of it is going to "The" Prince!

Here's a quote for Linda: "Dogs have masters, cats have staff." Linda actually has a door-hanger on her front door, given to her by the Webers, that says, "The cat and his servant live here."

As I recall some saying, Linda had a pet cow growing up, but he ended up on the dinner table. Please tell us more about this "pet" and any other pets the Dennison's may have had (or even imagined they had) as kids.

Loose teeth

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE:
Dreams do come true, well almost... Louka got $10 for his first tooth, we suspect only because it was his first tooth and because he took such good care of it. Kali got $5 for her tooth.

UPDATE:
Louka's first tooth came out today, Wed. Aug. 29, 2007. It got very loose, dad was wiggling it -- and Louka wiggled away, leaving the tooth in dad's hand. When asked what he thought the tooth fairy would bring, he said $20. Dream on, little man! Disappointment is a lesson we learn early in life.

Here's a coinky-dink (one of my fav words): 17 year old Kali had her LAST baby tooth pulled out by the dentist earlier this morning. Kali told the dentist she IS going to put hers in her tooth fairy pillow tonight, too. Guess the tooth fairy gets a 2-for-1 trip!

Original post:

Louka has his very first loose tooth! He noticed it today, Aug 24, two days after he turned 6. Tammy and the girls lost all their baby teeth very late -- 17 year old Kali still has baby teeth, as does 14 year old April. Tammy is busy at work making Louka his very own tooth fairy pillow, with his name on it (dinosaur fabric of course), as she made for each of the girls. The tooth fairy is expected to make a visit in the next few days. Rose got $1 for her first tooth, April got $5 for his first tooth -- inflation takes it's toll. Tammy recalls getting a quarter, or a 50 cent piece.

Dennison kids, did the "tooth fairy" visit you? What was your prize? If not, what prompted you to begin the tradition for your children?

Louka's 6th Birthday

Louka had a terrific birthday party on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. He had eleven children at a party at the Pomplun home. It was noisy, chaotic, but the kids had a great time. Louka chose a dinosaur theme, because he loves dinosaurs and can name at least 20 species. Becka helped Louka and Tammy make the take-home "goodie bags" which were paper mache dinosaur eggs. A paper mache dinosaur pinata, a homemade dinosaur cake and dinosaur decorations completed the theme. Many games were planned, but the kids had more fun at free play. In addition to Becka and Maddie, Grace Bolden attended.

We heard Bobby had a terrific birthday party the weekend before. Post your pics and news about the event. How did our other August birthday celebrants mark the occasion?

Migranes and other health issues

I'm sitting here snuggling Louka, who has yet another migraine (second this week). Five years old and he suffers migraines regularly. It's so sad, so scary. Silent tears drop as I hold him and we pray for him to get better and for it not to be anything more serious. Tammy, Rose and Jasmine all suffer migraines, but Louka is by far the youngest to start -- the others didn't start until their teens. Our migraines, including Louka's, include severe headache, sensitivity to light, and vomiting. We're tracking our headaches related to being outdoors (allergies) and sugary foods (diabetes) to see if there is any link there.
Do you suffer migraines, allergies, or other possibly genetic ailments? PLEASE add your comments to this, so that we might see a common thread, genealogy, for these pains.

Concerts

April, Secondhand Serenade, Christa
Kali, April and April's friend Christa Muchow went to see a concert last night, Secondhand Serenade. Christa is the daughter of Mitch Muchow and Laurie Fesenfeldt (the sister of one of Lisa's best friends growing up, Leora). Christa is the granddaughter of Carol Muchow.
April is quite the concert girl. She's seen Nickelback, Staind, Fall Out Boys, and Augstana.
Tammy recalls seeing Bachman, Turner Overdrive in concert (BTO). Louie remembers seeing Little Ritchie.
What concerts have you seen?

The Wiggles

Tammy, Rose and Louka, along with the little boy Rose takes care of (Daniel) had a great time seeing The Wiggles (characters from a children's TV show) Live at the Coliseum in Madison on Thursday, August 16.
Rose recalled seeing Sesame Street Live and Mickey and Minnie's Revue Live and when she was a little girl at the Coliseum.
Tammy vaguely remembers her fifth birthday when her mom took a huge group of her friends to a Madison TV station to see a live show. Was it the Bozo the Clown show? She also remembers going to the Coliseum to see the Circus.

Weekend in the Dells

The long, tired, red ride home...
The Pomplun family enjoyed a relaxing weekend in the Dells. Louie, Tammy, Kali, April and Louka stayed overnight Saturday. They went to Wizards Quest in downtown Dells and an outdoor movie. Kali saved the day (rather night) by finding a motel with a vacancy after the place Tammy booked turned out to be a dive!
Rose and Jasmine (and their friends) joined the family on Sunday for a free day at RiverView Park and Waterworld.
Tammy, Louie and Kali all came home scorched, despite sunblock. All came home very tired!
When's the last time you've been to the Dells? What do you do/see when you go?

Den(n)ison Family History

Here is the Denison (Dennison) genealogical info I have, with actual copies of the birth, marriage and death certificates. I believe I got this info from a Denison cousin at a recent (1990's?) family reunion at Lake Leota Park in Evansville.

Denison (Dennison) Genealogical Info

Birth Certificate for Baby Denison (Harry Sylvester), born Sept. 11, 1909, male, white, single birth, number in order of birth, third, third living; legitimate? Yes; father Fred Denison, age 28, born in England; Farm Laborer; mother Margeret Hopkins, age 22, born in WI, housewife; residence Oregon RFD, attending physician or midwife, J. M Brew? MA, Oregon, WI

Death certificate for Harry Sylvester Dennison (two N’s printed); pronounced dead Aug. 1, 1989 at 11:08 a.m. , age 79, county of death, Sawyer, Hayward, WI, natural causes, no autopsy. Cause: acute myocardial infarction, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Burial in Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville, WI; Divorced; Residence listed as Town of Bass Lake, Sawyer County, WI, Route 2, Box 2312A, 54843; State of birth, WI, Father, Fred Denison, mother Margaret Hopkins; Education: 8; Armed Forces: No; Occupation: Carpenter in building industry

Birth certificate for Anna L. Cole, born Aug. 20, 19__ (not filled in or cut off in printing), Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky, born at Second Street Hospital or Institution, female, legitimate, second child born to this mother, one now living; Birth certificate info furnished by Felix W. Cole, father, attendant – Dr. J.W. Grubbs; Father: Felix W. Cole, white, 31 years old, born in Logan County, KY, telegraph operator; Mother: Anna Loafman, white, 25 years old, born in Logan County, KY, housewife

Marriage certificate for Harry Dennison (two N’s) and Anna Cole married on the ____ (nothing printed) day of July, 1941, filed in Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana.

Fred Denison born 1882 in Leeds, England

Married Margaret Hopkins on March 10, 1906 by Justice Norton in Rockford IL

Margaret Hopkins born April 10, 1887 in Brooklyn Township

Fred Denison Certificate of Naturalization, age 61, Male, White, light complexion, blue eyes, grey hair, 5’11”, married; Petition #3061, Rock Co., Nov. 12, 1943; Residing in Town of Union, Rock Co.

Their children: (15)
Ellsworth born 4-4-07, died 4-4-82, heart
Margaret, born ?4-8-8?, died 2-20-32
Harry Sylvester, born 9-11-09, died 1989, heart
Elizabeth Delfina, born 12-1-10, died 12-21-10, unknown
Leland Standford, born 4-27-11, died 2-14-72, unknown
Harriett Stella, born 1-31-15, died 2-23-89, heart
Ruth, born 9-20-16, died 4-23-84, heart
Eva Belle, born 4-3-18, died 8-28-?, heart
Grace Udean, born 12-28-19, died 7-16-19? Of cancer
Clifford Duane, born 7-8-21, died 4-30-86
Leonard, born 4-18-23, died ___, 200?
Bessie Mae, born 9-3-24, died 3-4-19? Of cancer
Fred Jr., born 2-27-27, died 1-6-88 of cancer
Mary Louise, born June 28, 1929

Fred died July 17, 1949 in Evansville, WI
Margaret died Dec. 17, 1949

Leedle Denison
Born 1860 in Leeds England
Had three sisters: Mrs. William Johnson of Evansville; Agnes Thayer of Colorado; Eva Carberry of Iowa
Married Lady Elizabeth Richards of Leeds, England (born Dec. 25, 1878)
Leedle came to America in 1882, A year later sent for wife and two sons
Lived in Cooksville until 1920 then Evansville employed in punch room of Baker Manufacturing

Leedle - Died 1941 in Evansville, WI, 9:30 p.m. at Mercy Hospital, seriously ill for two weeks, funeral at Congregational Church by Grant Clark, Allen Funeral Home
Was a member of Masonic, Odd Fellows and Eastern Star

Elizabeth - Died 4-15-1940

Celebrated 50^th anniversary in 1928

WHY'D HE DO IT?

I think we're all in agreement that it was Harry Sylvester Denison who forever changed the spelling of the name Denison to Dennison. The questions are when and why? Do you have the answers? Please reply by clicking on "comments."

Click on "comments" to see Judy's response to the why.

Here is something interesting:
Harry's actual birth certificate only says Baby Denison (with one N). His name was filled in later. On their wedding certificate Harry's name is spelled with TWO N's and Harry's death certificate has TWO N's. By the way, an actual copy of their marriage certificate does not give a date in July, that space is left blank. It says "On the ______ day of July, 1941." Does anyone know the date?

Also, some of us have kidded about the prolificness of Harry and Anna -- but did you know that they were married in July of 41 and didn't have their first child until Jan of 44? So they waited nearly two years before their first child.

Young Aunts

You may remember that Dawn Cronin was only six years old when she became an aunt to Tammy (Babler) Pomplun in 1963. Tammy's mom Linda was the oldest child of Harry and Anna, Dawn was the youngest.
Now, Dawn's daughter Becka became an aunt at the age of six with the birth of Maddie Cronin in 2005. Maddie's dad Cole was the oldest, Becka was the youngest.
Bev Crans' daughter Katelyn first became an aunt at the age of eight when Tracy had Megan in 1994. Tracy was the oldest; Katelyn the youngest.

This all ties into the span of giving birth. Anna had children over thirteen years from 1944 to 1957. Bev had kids over a 21 year span from 1965 to 1986. Dawn had kids from a thirteen year span, from 1986 to 1999? Tammy also had kids over a 21 year span, in three separate decades -- one in 1980, (and 86 and 88) one in 1990 (and 93), and one in 2001.

Babysitters

Many of the aunts tell Tammy how they used to babysit her and Lisa, telling stories about them getting flour all over the house, and giving them piggy back rides from the park to their house. Which sisters babysat the Babler girls or other kids? How old were you and the kids? What other memories do you have of babysitting them? Judy still cares for many of her nieces and nephews.

The babysitting chain continues. Tammy used to care for Shona Burns and Janna and Billy Boettcher. Sandy Traxler is wonderful with her nieces and cares for them often. Katelyn Crans and the Pomplun girls have all cared for Becka and Maddie Cronin. Who else has done babysitting and for whom? What memories do you have of it?

Picture taken by April Pomplun when she was babysitting Becka and Maddie Cronin.

Block Party!

Click on the pics to see them enlarged.

The Pompluns hosted their annual block party for the people in their neighborhood. Although it started out rainy and became very hot and humid, everyone had a good time. We also celebrated Teresa Kimberley's 55th birthday at the birthday. You may remember that Teresa, who is mentally retarded, grew up across the street from the Bablers. Teresa now lives at the Kelly House, a nursing home in Evansville. Everyone was so happy that Linda came down for the event.

Have you had block parties in your neighborhood or do you remember any parties as kids? Tell us about them.

First pic: Betty Fellows, April Pomplun, Teresa Kimberley (seated), Louie Pomplun, Steve Kimberley
Second pic: Tammy and Louka Pomplun, Emmy Hurtley, Linda Babler, Don and Doris McCaslin, Teresa Kimberley, Gary Hurtley
Third pic: Rose Pomplun at the party with the baby she takes care of (Katelyn)
Fourth pic: Kali Pomplun at the party.

Church

I was talking to someone the other day, who had said that Anna Dennison went to church regularly. I recall her coming to the Methodist Church in Evansville with Linda Babler occasionally, and later she went to the Baptist Church with her sister-in-law, Ruth Corning. Does anyone have any memories of Anna being religious? I do know some of her favorite songs were church hymns, Amazing Grace and The Old Rugged Cross.
What about Harry? I've heard it said that while he didn't go to church, he was a "godly" sort of person.
How about their parents? Does anyone remember Fred and Margret going to church? Any stories of Felix and Annie (Loafman) being of a particular faith?
How about the Dennison sisters and Art? Does anyone remember going to church as a child? Where? When?

Great America Six Flags

Anyone go to Six Flags this year? Louka earned a free ticket to Great America from school by reading 6 hours, so the Pomplun's are planning on going -- no date set yet. This school promotion is smart thinking by Six Flags. Give away one free kids ticket and get six other adults to pay, plus all the food and other goodies they buy.

WI Dells, Sun, Aug. 12

For those who don't know and don't already have plans, WJVL radio station in Janesville (99.9), offers free tickets to RiverView Park and Waterworld in the Dells on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Tickets are available at Book World across from Janesville Mall or at 1 Parker Place, WJVL.
The Pomplun family goes every year for this low-cost fun day.

Evansville's Rummage Sales

Well, we made it. The rummage sale days are over. Dawn and Tammy had a sale at the Pompluns and sold a lot of stuff -- but still had a lot left over, which they plan to donate to the local (Goodwill type) Care Closet or other worthwhile organization. Ironically, Friday, the day before the City-wide sale, was busier than the official Sale Day. It was a lot of work! The kids had fun playing together, and everyone enjoyed a brat cookout (except Dawn who hates brats, and of course the vegetarians, Tammy and April, but all enjoyed the other food) on Saturday afternoon.

We had a great idea to put up Louka's bounce house (a big inflatable house little kids climb in and jump in) in the front yard. That way, people really notice the sale, AND kids have so much jumping that they don't want to leave, so the parents shop more. But we probably spent more on electricity than we made at the sale!

The rain started coming at about 1 on Saturday so we started closing up much earlier than we had planned. The Pomplun's use their proceeds for a day at the Dells (Next Sunday) -- the Cronins each keep their own money from their own stuff, including Maddie and Becka!

High School Days

What better way to remember your high school days than to look in the old high school yearbooks -- or would you rather not? At Girls' Night, Beverly showed photocopies of Linda, Bev, and Art from the 1962 yearbook. Tammy plans to go to the high school library and see if they have a yearbook that she can scan these images, and the rest of the Dennison kids', and have them available on this post.

By the way, what activities did you do in high school (be nice!)
For Linda, it said, GAA (what is this?), French Club, Glee Club...

will add more info as it becomes available!

Geneology

Several of us are interested in the family's geneology, especially Judy, who has a wealth of information, and Tammy. What can you add to this? Please fill in the blanks.

----------------

Harry Dennison, born Sept. 11, 1901 in Elkhorn, WI; married Anna Cole in July 1941 (no date on marriage certificate); died Aug. 1, 1989 in Hayward, WI

Harry was the son of Fred Denison, born 1881 Leeds, England; married Margaret (Marguerite/spelling?) Hopkins on March 10, 1906; had 15 children; died July 17, 1949 in Evansville
and
Marguerite Hopkins, born April 10, 1887 in Brooklyn Township; died Dec. 17, 1949 in Evansville

Fred was the son of
Leedle Denison, born 1860 in Leeds England; married 1878; died 1941 in Evansville
and
Lady Elizabeth (Richards) Denison, born 1858, died April 15, 1940 in Evansville
celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1928 in Union Township

Elizabeth Richards Denison was the daughter of _____________ and ___________ Richards.

-------------------------

Anna Lavelle Cole, born Aug. 20, 1919, Bowling Green, KY; died Sept. 20, 2002

Anna was the daughter of
Felix Winfield Cole, Sr., born_____; married Annie Caroline (Loafman) on __________; had ________ children; died ________
and
Annie (Anna) Caroline Loafman, born _______ (1895) in Kentucky; died ___________

Felix W. Cole was the son of ____________ and _________________
Annie Loafman was the daughter of _______________ and _____________Loafman.

Girls Night Out

Fun, fun! Girls Night was wonderful, with dinner on the lake at Piasons, followed by the musical. Everyone agreed it was Sue Ellen up there on stage, her part-counterpart in true form. Some of the sisters have said we should get together once a month, even if just to go for coffee. Special, special thanks to Dawn for arranging this get-together and pre-paying for the tickets.

Recipes

Here's a good one. Add your favorite recipe by clicking on "comments" and typing it in. Alice has some really good ones, and sent Kali, who loves to cook, a recipe book with her favorite recipes. Our family favorite, of Aunt Alices, is the Spinach Salad with Brianna's red wine vinagrette, very easy, but ummm so good. I'll post it later. Also, if you have any with family history, please say so, who used to make it, and any special pointers they gave you, like Grandpa Harry's peanut brittle or Grandma Anna's garlic chicken.

Pianists and other musicians

In addition to equestrians, we have several pianists in the family (hmmm.... we must have English blood in us, ya think?)

Becka Cronin is currently taking piano lessons. I asked if her mom or dad played and she said, no, her mom knew the notes, but it was Grandma Dennison who played. Tammy and Lisa took lessons as kids. The Weber kids also take (or took) lessons. Rose and Jasmine took piano lessons, but not their younger siblings (don't know why, just got too busy/expensive with four/five kids, I guess). As adults, Linda and Sue both took piano lessons and both play quite well.

Tammy also played guitar, Rose played the alto saxophone, and Jasmine, for a year, the flute. Did you or your kids play any other instruments? If so, what?

Do you remember Anna Dennison playing the piano? What did she like to play? Please share those memories with us by clicking on the "comments."

Horses

We have quite a few budding equestrians in our family.

Little Grace Bolden loves riding, says Tania. Tania now has a farm ranch with several horses and said she would love to get the barn fixed up to board horses for others.
Olivia, Lindsey, Grace and Jon have taken riding lessons and I believe, leased a horse for a while.
April used her own money, made doing a paper route for several years, to buy two quarter horses, Sugar and Melody. Now she does barn chores and feeds for half the board. She shows her horses at the county 4-H fair and other nearby small horse shows, nothing too fancy. She did go to the WI State Fair last year but the competition was fierce!!! People were spending thousands of dollars, probably even tens of thousands of dollars, on their horses and clothes. April just likes competing for the fun, not for the one-upmanship of whose horses or clothes are better.

Grace Bolden and the Weber kids get their love of horses from their moms, of course. But it must be genetic for April because Tammy is scared to death of horses, after getting bucked as a kid taking lessons out on Burdick Road. Actually, Tammy and Lisa got bucked riding double that time. Neither got hurt, really. Lisa got back on, but Tammy never did. Some of you may remember that Lisa went on to buy her own Arab horse, Ruby, which she sold to Tania when she grew older and was preparing to leave for college.
April was bucked, as you may remember, in April of 2005 and lacerated her liver, shattered her kidney, broke her arm and was med-flighted to UW Hospital. But she got back on. Now, I think it's important for every child to get bucked off before they buy their own horse. BTW (By the way) it is a goal in life for April to get Tammy back riding a horse and she did get her on the back of Melody, if even for a few seconds. I think Melody even took two or three steps until Tammy started hyperventilating so badly (seriously, this is not a joke) she had to get down. Dream on little girl...!

Dennison kids out there, did you ever ride? Did you have a horse or pony? Did you wish you did? I remember stories of Linda's pet cow (that ended up being supper, I think), did you ride it, and of the kids riding the Crans' ponies, is that right? Please share with us, the children and grandchildren, some of your memories of horse-back, or even cow-back riding!

Fill in the blanks

New on this post! Scroll down to the bottom right of the page and you will find almost everyone's name and birthdate, with a few exceptions. Am I missing some info, a middle name, a birthday, even someone important we need to remember? Please email me, onepomplun@hotmail.com and help me fill in the blanks.
Special, special thanks to Curt Traxler for having all this info compiled in one neat little document!

It's Fair Week

Fair Week ends July 29. What performances did you see?
Rodney Atkins on Thursday; George Jones on Friday (I was country when country wasn't cool -- a lot of spiritual songs, including one of Anna Dennison's fav's, Amazing Grace);
Foreigner on Saturday; Josh Gracin on Sunday.

Grandma Linda Babler and the entire Pomplun family, except Rose who had to babysit, went to the fair together on Saturday, July 28 and had a good time. Grandma looked at the girls' exhibits, watched the kids (including Louie, but not Tammy) go on rides, looked at the animals, tried to win goldfish and shared a funnel cake. It was a hot, hot day and the fair was not at all busy. George Jones was singing that night, but we didn't stay, we were all tired out! See the pic of Linda's family at the fair. Email me a pic of your family at the fair.

We have three 4-H Exhibitors this year: Becka Cronin and Kali and April Pomplun. Be sure to look for their exhibits at the fairgrounds.

Becka is in Cloverbuds. Cloverbuds are first or second year 4-H members, 7-9 years old. Becka made a leathercraft key chain, a poster of how milk is made and a rocket. As a Cloverbud, she receives Rainbow participation ribbons.
Kali and April both took their photographs. One of April's photos is of Maddie Cronin, one of Kali's is of Louka Pomplun swimming. Kali's other picture is a landscape of an airplane. April's other photos are beautiful flowers -- really stunning. Both girls got blue ribbons on all their pictures.
Kali also took cooking, although it's nearly impossible to find a person's cooking exhibit. She got a white on her homemade cinnabons, but only because they were supposed to be unfrosted (she frosted them) and she didn't have the recipe in a plastic baggie. HMMMPH! Tasted good to us!
April also took drawing and painting - she took a black and white drawing of a horse and a yellow and red picture of a flower as well as her sketchbook. She got a blue on the flower and sketchbook and a red on the horse drawing.
April also exhibited at the 4-H horse fair, held on July 14, separate from the rest of the 4-H fair. Sugar (her horse) was acting up, so April only showed in one event -- western pleasure -- and got a red. All the horses were acting up that day -- it was pretty windy and there was a new tent on the fairgrounds which was spooking some of them.
This is Kali's last year in 4-H. Tammy and Lisa were in 4-H as kids. Tammy took sewing (hmmm...), photography, home environment. Lisa took horses, of course. Were you in 4-H? What projects did you take?

Girls Night Out

GIRLS NIGHT OUT will be Friday, Aug. 3 at 8 p.m., preceded by dinner, possibly on State Street. Contact Dawn if you plan to attend. So far, Dawn, Linda, Bev, Judy, Sue, Janna, Tammy, and Lisa all plan on attending.

Dawn is arranging a girls' night out for all the sisters (and adult children), to see the musical, Girls Night at the Madison Overture Center on State Street. Tickets are $33 based on seating.

The description of the musical is:
"Hilarious and touching, Girls Night: The Musical follows five friends as they re-live their past, celebrate the present and look to the future during a wild and outrageous girls night out at a karaoke bar. You’ll recognize many of the characters…Carol the party girl, blunt Anita who tells it like it is, Liza and her "issues," boring Kate the designated driver and Sharon, the not-so-angelic angel who just couldn’t resist tagging along. Girls Night: The Musical is bursting with energy and packed with classic anthems, from "Lady Marmalade" and "I Will Survive" to "It’s Raining Men" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." You know you don’t need an excuse for a good time...so grab your sisters, your girlfriends and your workmates and prepare to laugh, cry and dance in the aisles!


Call Dawn for more details.

Lake Leota

Right now, the city of Evansville is trying to decide what to do with Lake Leota, which they drained two years ago, and now has weeds about six feet tall. The original plan was to drain it, remove the silt and refill it. Now people are complaining about the price tag of fixing it (about $1.2 million) on their taxes.

What do you think they should do with it?
Fill it and leave it as it was,
leave it empty,
remove the silt and then fill it?

What are some memories you have of the lake?

Does anyone remember Harry taking his pontoon out on the lake? I think we may have a pic of that. When I find it, I will post it.

Back to School

The summer is flying and soon our kids will be back to school or starting school for the first time.

Please add any names or missing info to the "comments."

Ashley Traxler, kindergarten, Milton
Louka Pomplun, kindergarten, Evansville
Jonathan Weber, kindergarten, Delafield
Emily Boettcher, first grade, ?
Austin Bailey , ?
Megan Bailey, ?
Grace Weber, second grade, Delafield
Lindsey Weber, fourth grade, Delafield
Olivia Weber, seventh grade, Delafield
April Pomplun, high school freshman
Kali Pomplun, high school senior
Jasmine Pomplun, college sophomore, transferring to UW-Rock
Katie Crans, college junior, UW-Whitewater
Rose Pomplun, college junior, transferring, possibly to Upper Iowa University
Crystal Traxler, Blackhawk Tech?
Kim Traxler, Madison College of Cosmetology?

Evansville's Rummage Sale Days

Evansville's Citywide Rummage Sale Days is Aug. 4. It's a time when everyone in the family seems to bump into each other.

The Pompluns will be having a rummage sale. The Cronins will be bringing over some items to sell and Linda Babler may also. Everyone who wants to is welcome to bring over items they would like to sell. Please make sure everything is priced and include your initials on the tag, so you get the money for what sells.

August Special Dates

August Special Dates

Aug. 11, 1947 Robert “Bobby” ______Atkinson

Aug. 12, 1995 Chris and Dawn Cronin, Anniversary

Aug. 16, 1945 Beverly Jean (Dennison) Crans

Aug. 21, 1950 Alice Faye (Dennison) Burns

Aug. 21, 1999 David and Deanna Boettcher Anniversary

Aug. 22, 2001 Louka Landry Lester Pomplun

In Remembrance:
Harry Sylvester Dennison died Aug. 1, 1989
Anna Lavelle (Cole) Dennison, born Aug. 20, 1919
Ruth _____ (Denison) Corning, born Aug. 20
Danny ______Monroe born Aug. 22

Summer Vacations

Have you taken a summer vacation? Share your summer fun with your family by clicking on "comments" and writing in where you went and what you did and saw.

In addition to lots of camping, the Cronins went to Tennessee where Becka stayed with Alice and Dawn and Chris went on a motorcycle trip.

Alice and Den went to Ohio with their travel friends. Alice writes, "Cleveland was a big surprise. Cleveland has beautiful gardens, and a good theater district, and of course, the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame."

Judy and Bobby are planning to go to Hayward soon.

Proud of my kids

I'm so proud of my kids. Most kids get excited when they turn 16 because they can drive a car, when they turn 18 because they can vote, and when they turn 21 because they can drink. But all of my kids have been very excited at their 17th birthday. Why? Because they can give blood. Today Kali, who turned 17 on June 28, drove to Stoughton to donate blood at a blood drive -- her first time. Although she got sick (three times), she said she was glad she did it. She said she saved three lives by giving blood today. Rose started the "17th birthday donating blood tradition" and Jasmine continued it when she turned 17. Now Kali stepped up to the plate. Yes, I'm a proud mom.
Are you proud of your kids? Share why by clicking on the "comments".

Childhood Memories

Do you have memories of growing up with the Dennisons? These names come right to mind with the younger Dennisons, but certainly there were others -- the Koch girls, the Page kids, the Hansens, the Schoenenbergers. Share your memories by clicking on "comments."

Aurora's Baptism

Baby Aurora will be baptized on Aug. 12, 2007. Alice is expected to come up for her special event and has asked Tammy to make a custom baptismal gown for Aurora. Alice is Kim's Godmother.

Email addresses

Stay in touch!
Add your email here:

Pompluns: onepomplun@hotmail.com
Cronins: cronin@ticon.net
Linda Babler: lbab_9@yahoo.com

July Special Dates

Happy July Birthdays to:

July 1, 1975 Laura ____ Glock
July 8, 1956 Patty ____ Cole
July 13, 1986 Cole Arthur Cronin (who turns 21 Friday the 13th)
July 19, 1993 April Aftin Pomplun
July 28, 19__ Michelle Burns (Lance's wife)

In Memory:
July 27, 1999 Carter Cole died

Post your family's July birthdays and anniversaries, along with your plans to celebrate (and your remembrances).

April Pomplun and friends on a July 4th float. Louka catches candy.