Cliff's Ping Pong Dream Comes True

As many of my Cliff Notes readers are aware, I was a ping pong champion in my younger days (please see photo of trophys for proof). It had been years, however, since we had a full size table to play on. We had a table to fit on the pool table in the basement, but it wasn't full size. So for Thanksgiving, I ordered a table for the garage and we are having a blast. I even got some high quality paddles for Christmas. Needless to say, I am still the ping pong champion!

Laurel's New KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Laurel was thrilled to get a stand mixer for Christmas! It is not easy being a great baker without a powerful mixer. Today she made pretzel rolls. They tasted as good as they look.

The Bryan and Jessie Mulder Family

Just click on the photo to see the full image

Holding Matilda

We all came to Chicago yesterday to celebrate Christmas with Bryan and Jessie and to hold Matilda. Today is her fifth day in the hospital. Since she was low birth weight and is still jaundice, they want to keep her for observation. Hopefully she will be coming home in the next day or two. She is eating well and is under the lights for the jaundice.

One visitor at a time is allowed in the NICU so we have taken turns going up to hold her. She is so sweet!

Matilda Grace Mulder Enters The World!

We were surprised, and yet thrilled, when Bryan called us at midnight on Thursday to tell us that Jessie's water had broken. Six hours later, Bryan and Jessie welcomed Matilda Grace. She weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces and is absolutely beautiful. Welcome to Cliff Notes, Matilda, I am sure this is your first of many posts!

Remembering Noni

HUDSON, Elda (Grion)
Age 86
Of Portage
Formerly Riverview, MI

After living a beautiful happy life, died in her home with her loving husband of 65 years, J.R., by her side. Elda was born in Capriva del Friuli, Provence of Gorizia, in the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, to Felice and Maria (Pagani) Grion on Christmas Eve, 1924. She grew up among her family's vineyards in the Collio wine region, riding her bike, singing in the choir and studying to be a seamstress. She was taking classes to learn how to design patterns so she could open her own dress shop when World War II put an end to her plans. However, God had a different purpose for her life. In a beautiful castle she met J.R. Hudson, an American soldier from Arkansas who was stationed in her town near end of the War. They courted, fell in love and were married in Naples, Italy where their first child was born in 1946. Coming to America as a war bride, Elda lived with J.R. in Arkansas and then Texas, where their first set of twins was born in 1947. From there, they moved to St. Louis and then to Connecticut, where their second set of twins was born in 1961. Elda worked as a seamstress, sewing on fine fabrics in boutiques, for private clients and even a furrier. Along with her talent for sewing, Elda also had the gift of beauty, modeling in fashion shows. One of her greatest talents was cooking and care giving. She cooked delicious, plentiful meals and passed this gift on to her children. Most of all, she enjoyed taking care of her children and her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than cradling and caring for babies. Elda also had a great devotion to her Catholic faith and instilled a love for Jesus, Mary and praying the rosary, in each of her children. Elda was preceded in death by her brother Gino, sister Vilma, son-in-law Jon Kreulen, and infant granddaughter Sara McCormick. She is survived by her brother, Sergio Grion along with many family and dear friends in Italy, whom she has visited often over the years. Elda and JR had five children who all survive: Marisa (Roger) Schweitzer of Richland, James Hudson of Portage, Nancy (Lou) Kreulen-Wargo of Port Clinton, Ohio, Brenda (Cliff) Mulder of Portage and Linda (Mike) McCormick of Cypress, Texas. Affectionately known as Noni, Elda had a special relationship with her 18 grandchildren, Kurt (Charlene) Schweitzer, Kristin (Scott) Johns, Jason Kreulen, Andrea (Mark) Prebay, David Hudson, Dan Hudson, Nick Hudson, Bryan (Jessie) Mulder, Keith (Lisa) Mulder, Laurel Mulder, Philip Mulder, Camille Howard, Jared Howard, Mitchell Howard, Scott McCormick, Madison McCormick, Louie Wargo and Paula Wargo. Elda was blessed to hold her great granddaughter, Avery Prebay.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elda's truly amazing caregivers, Connie Rose, Kim Coburn and Margarita Castro. These loving women unselfishly cared for Elda in her home, giving beyond what was called for, making her last years as dignified and happy as possible. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 16th from 6 PM to 8 PM with a Rosary at 7:30 PM at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel 9170 East D Avenue (M89), Richland. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, with a luncheon to follow. Private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and to the Alzheimer's Association . Personal messages for the family may be placed at
www.farleyestesdowdle.com.


Published in Kalamazoo Gazette from December 13 to December 14, 2011

A Different Christmas

Since Brenda is so busy with Noni during these


final days, Phil and I have picked up a lot of Christmas preparation. This weekend we cut both trees and decorated most of the house by ourselves. While it will look a little different this year, Phil and I did a pretty good job! It makes us realize how much work it is for Brenda each year. Can't wait for you all to see our work!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Baby Mulder's First Big Party

On Thanksgiving Weekend, Brenda, Mimi, Laurel and Linda hosted a baby shower for Bryan and Jessie. Twenty eight friends and family members came and of course the party continued into the night. We prepared all the food except for the desserts (since Laurel is in Medical School, she had to hang up her chef's hat). Brenda and I practiced on about seven quiches' before finding the perfect recipe. The baby gifts are were wonderful and we all feel very ready for Chewie to come!

Good thoughts about Noni

Here are a couple emails from Marisa and Brenda that I want to save on Cliff Notes. They reveal the sadness of watching your Mother die and yet the joy of knowing there is something better in store for Noni.

From: Cliff And Brenda [mailto:cliffandbrenda@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 11:17 PM
To: Marisa Schweitzer
Cc: Hudson Family
Subject: Re: Update on Noni

Thanks for sending this around. Fr Derda was wonderful. What a privilege to be there. He said, "Dormi pace". Or, " She sleeps in peace. " Connie and Kim think she has very little time left on this earth. How wonderful that she rests comfortably in her home, with loved ones around. She always prayed for a good death. Which Fr. Derda also mentioned. He was happy to know that she often prayed for that. Even though I am happy that she will soon be with our Lord in heaven, I am so sad to let her go. Isn't that crazy? How many times have I asked God, " Why don't you just take her?" and now I can't bear to let her go. We have the BEST mom that ever lived. What a beautiful, giving, loving human being. We are so blessed. I thank God for all of you, our big, wacky, loving family. Her legacy. Keep praying for her and her amazing caregivers. And for Popi. He is going through a lot right now.

Love, Brenda

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 30, 2011, at 8:16 PM, "Marisa Schweitzer" wrote:

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that Noni is resting comfortably at this time. I spent most of the day there and she was in and out of sleeping but looked around and was a little responsive when you got in front of her and talked to her. She ate about a ½ cup of lemon pudding but isn’t drinking anything now. They are swabbing her mouth with little sponges on a stick to keep it moist. She doesn’t like them and makes an awful face when the do it. This is to keep the inside of her mouth moist and help keep bacteria down. It is dipped in a combination of water and mouthwash (which is why she makes a face!). She had a small dose of morphine this morning but nothing since then when I left around 4:30 p.m. She has an air bed now which is more comfortable when someone is bedridden. They move her and turn her so she won’t get bed sores.

Our Pastor from St. Ann’s, Fr. Derda, came today and administered the Sacrament of Healing (used to be Last Rites). This sacrament is administered now whenever someone is sick – you don’t have to be terminal to receive it. Dad, Brenda, Roger, Connie, and I participated in the prayers and readings with Father Derda. It was very beautiful and comforting. His family is from Italy as well – the same area as Noni!! He was so good with Dad – asking him questions and comforting him. He us Communion – those who were Catholic. I think it was really good for Dad. Father has offered to come back again if we want him to.

I will try to keep everyone updated or possibly Brenda will. We want everyone to know Noni’s condition as best we can. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Love,

Mimi



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What Has Happened To Our Phil?

Phil before Kalamazoo College - Clean shaven and 173 pounds!



Phil after ten weeks at Kalamazoo College - Bearded and 156 pounds!


Phil came home today after his first quarter at Kalamazoo College. What a difference ten weeks can make. He has not experienced the "Freshman 15" (unless it means to lose 15 pounds) and he is participating in "No Shave November".

Phil is having a great time at K and he is very happy with his choice.

Wrapping up Branson - on to Thanksgiving and The Chewie Shower

Our last show in Branson was the Dixie Stampede. This was an indoor horse riding show done with a Christmas theme. During the show, we were served a dinner of chicken, pork, potato, corn on the cob and an apple turnover. In traditional cowboy style, we ate all of this with our fingers and used lots of wet wipes. The show was amazing!!

Brenda and I really enjoyed our time in Branson and most importantly, enjoyed spending some time with Mom and Dad. They love Branson and it was fun to follow them around (Dad drove of course)to their favorite restaurants, stores and shows. We also learned to play the card game "hand and foot". Mom and Dad love playing this game and I can see why. It is a nice combination of strategy and luck. Unfortunately, Mom and Brenda had most of the luck.

We got home on Friday night just in time to start the work for Thanksgiving and Chewie's baby shower. I will blog more about the shower later this week.

Branson - "The Live Music Capital of the World"

Mom and Dad really wanted us to see some of their favorite live shows in Branson - after all that is what puts Branson on the map. We saw a 2:00 pm show of Six which is a six brother singing group which only uses their voice - no musical instruments. One singer does all the drums and another signer does all the guitar sounds. They were awesome and really interacted with the audience (by the way, Brenda and I would have won the "youngest patron" award). Check them out on YouTube.
At 8:00 we saw the Oak Ridge Boys. The first half of the show featured their favorite songs and the second half was a very moving Christmas show. They tied in support for the non-profit "Save the Children" into their show which was really cool. I attached a video clip- make sure you give a look.
Tonight it is the Dolly Parton Christmas Stampede!!

Visitng Branson with Mom and Dad

Several years ago Mom and Dad bought a timeshare in Branson, MO through Westgate Resorts. They have really enjoyed their trips to Branson and have always invited us "boys" to come along on their trip. Well this year, with Brenda and I as empty nesters, we took them up on their offer and are joining them in Branson.

Branson is located at the southern end of Missouri and is in a beautiful area of rolling hills. It was just a sleepy town until the Presley family opened their country music variety show in 1967. In the last 40 years, it has become a destination vacation spot with a wide variety of music and variety shows on the "strip" and every additional vacation attraction you could want.

We drove separately since Brenda and I need to leave on Thursday and we will be visiting clients who live in Fulton, MO. Mom and Dad have arranged a busy four day visit for us. Yesterday we toured Branson and visited historic Branson. In the evening we viewed the Branson musical fountain along the river front. Today we have tickets for two shows: "Six" which is a amazing vocal group and The Oak Ridge Boys.

I will give you an overview of the shows tomorrow.

Congratulations Bryan

Over the last 18 months, Bryan and a colleague at his firm have worked very hard on a pro bono case involving asylum. A woman who came to the United States for her education was married to a man from her home country. Her husband abused her and was deported back to their native country. From there, he threatened to kill her if she ever returned. Because she was only in the United States for her education, the Department of Homeland Security was requiring her to return to her home country even though she faced an immediate threat to her life. Bryan took up this case through one of his firm's pro bono initiatives to request asylum to protect her. This last week they got the judge's ruling and they won. What a difference they made in the life of this woman. Way to go Bryan.

Editors note: I am sure that I have several of the details wrong...I will let Bryan use editorial license to fix my posting.

Keith - The Traveling Man!

Part of the fourth year of medical school is applying to residency. You go through a long process of applications to various programs, offers for interviews and finally a listing by the student of their top choices and the residency programs listing of their top choices. A computerized "match" is done and in March 2012 Keith and Lisa will find out where they will spend the next four to five years of their lives.

Keith is applying to anesthesiology programs - a four year program. He had been offered interviews at some of the most prestigious programs. On Friday he begins the interview cycle. In the next eight weeks, he has over ten flights all around the country. In between, he will includes visits home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and a November Vollink family wedding in New York City. Of interest, the programs will pay for most meals and a hotel stay, but the airfare expense is all Keith's (and Lisa).

So here is the initial schedule:

Cleveland - Cleveland Clinic and Case Western
St. Louis - Washington University
Boston - Harvard
Philadelphia - University of Pennsylvania

Then coming up in December and January will be:

University of Michigan
Northwestern
University of Chicago
Vanderbilt
Another trip to Harvard

and I am sure I am missed some. Good luck Keith!! You will do great.

Wolf Awareness Week at Kalamazoo College

Phil's roommate at K College is Adam from the Chicago area. Phil and Adam has a lot in common including a desire to make an impact in the world. Well they teamed up to bring Wolf Awareness Week to Kalamazoo College. Adam had bought a poster for the dorm room featuring Wolf Awareness Week from 1982. The boys quickly decided that K needed to join in the cause. They put posters around campus and the highlight of the week was the regular appearence of the first wolf ever spotted on K's campus.

It was a huge success!!

The Best Parking Spot at Crossroads Mall!!

Parking at the mall is always a pain. You may have to park a long distance from the door or the weather may be bad. Well Brenda has solved the problem - a prime parking spot in center court area. It doesn't get any better than this.

A new addition for the Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World

One of our favorite rides (and silliest) at Walt Disney World is the Carousel of Progress. This ride takes you through the changes in the American home over the last 100 years. It shows everything from the start of electricity to the radio and TV. With Laurel and Tommy visiting this weekend, I took this photo of our kitchen table. When they update the Carousel of Progress for the 21st century, they will need to include a display like this: three laptops, one Ipad and two smartphones.

Rules are Rules

Back in the day when all our kids were home and playing on the computer, we had restrictions on computer time per day. They could only play games on the computer a limited amount each day(usually 1 or 2 hours). We quickly noticed that the kids would watch each other play computer games and would be playing and/or watching the computer a lot more than one or two hours. So the rule was: "watching is the same as playing".

When Ken's kids were here in October, we noticed that Mamie Beth liked to watch Thaddeus play on the computer. I quickly had to tell them of our house computer rule!

Popi's 87

We had the big 87th birthday celebration with Popi this week. We had dinner with Roger, Mimi, Jimmy and Karin and then returned home for the famous Hudson Jam Cake. Mimi made the cake and it was delicious!

Popi blew out the candles with one breath - impressive!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Mulder First

When Thaddeus came to visit last week, he demonstrated the splits. Given the reputation of the Mulder males for inflexibility, this is nothing short of a miracle! My groin muscles hurt just watching him.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our annual up north Kalamazoo College Trip

For the fifth straight year, we spend an October weekend in Glen Arbor with our Kalamzaoo College friends Gerard and Anne Fancovic and Chip and Sandi Karr. We had the most incredible weather possible. It was 78 to 80 degrees everyday and perfect sunshine. Plus the trees were at peak color. Highlights of the weekend included:

- our first time staying at Le Bear in Glen Arbor. This seven year old private resort was luxurious and the service was outstanding. We swam in their heated outdoor pool and we have already booked our return visit for next year.

- an incredible dinner at Blu, in Le Bear. Their venison dish was outstanding

- we rented bikes in Suttons Bay and biked ten miles on a "rail to trail" bikeway

- we went to Leland and cooked fresh whitefish and lake trout on the grill

As you will see from the pictures, we had a ball!!