December Birthdays and Anniversaries

Dec 6- Jared Burton's 1st birthday  
Dec 16- Gary and Nina Weston's anniversary

Dec 20- Andy French's birthday

Dec 21- Joanna White's birthday

Dec 22- Derek Weston's 19th birthday

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Sharing the holidays.....with you!

Family News!

Rachel and Brandon were able to fly home and spend Thanksgiving with their families.
But, the big news for Rachel and Brandon is that they are expecting a baby on May 12th!!!! It will be wonderful for all of us to meet the little one at the family reunion in June!
Nina and Dr. Hodges will be married on December 11th!!!! We wish you both every happiness. Those who cannot attend the wedding will be looking forward to meeting the good doctor in June!
From James and Joanna: Johnny is now playing basketball. This past Saturday, he scored 2 points, had 2 steals, and 3 rebounds! Way to go Dolphins!


Family Funnies!

Eddie told Jacob that when he was young, he had dark hair, he was slim and trim, and he was handsome! Jacob replied, " Maybe you had dark hair and were slim and trim but handsome...I don't think so!" Hmmm, I think I need to show Jacob pictures of my brother when he was younger! :)

Amanda and her family were just finishing up singing a hymn in sacrament meeting when Michael said loudly "That was a great song mommy!"

Joanna tells us that "Maddy was crying because she had finished her sucker and wanted another one. Johnny was saving his sucker for lunch at school the next day. But, when he saw baby sister was upset, his face lit up and ran to his room to get his sucker for Maddy." He is a very sweet big brother...he reminds me of James!

Joanna has also shared a story about Olivia. "Livi said that she wanted to be a tooth fairy when she grew up. James asked her how she is going to get her wings and she told him that all she had to do was wish on a star!"

Christina said: Corrinna was trying to take a picture of me, and I held up my hand in front of the camera to block myself. Corrinna took a picture anyway and said, "I took a picture of 'talk to the hand'!"

Thanksgiving Blessings

From Jan: "I am truly thankful and blessed! I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for Benny, children, and grandchildren. I am thankful for freedom. I am thankful that my needs are meet. And, most of all, I am thankful for a Savior that loves me beyond what I can understand. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
From Susan: "We are thankful that our family will be together this year. With Kerrie in Florida for so long, we were either in Florida without Todd and Jacob, or we did not have the opportunity to see Kerrie at all. Now, that Kerrie has moved to St Louis, we can all be together! Jacob and I will be getting ready for Thanksgiving by making cookies!"
Melinda: "We take turns hosting the Thanksgiving Dinner each year. This year it was at Christina and Nathan's home. Nathan cooked two turkeys (one in the oven and one smoked) and they were delicious! (I know because I tried both!) All of us brought side dishes and desserts, so it was a feast! However, the best part was sharing the day with three of my children (Amanda and her family is in Utah) and 8 of my grandchildren. Love and laughter is the food of the heart!"
Amanda: I am thankful that Jared's surgery went well and that it's OVER! We are also very thankful to have a warm place to live during all of these cold and yucky blizzards.

Thanksgiving Scriptures


From Jan: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16
From Melinda: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter unto his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and, his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100 (also known as the Thanksgiving Psalm)

Christmas Stocking!

Susan said that she would like to find MONEY in her stocking this year!
Melinda would like to find Amanda and her family in her stocking this year!
Amanda always hopes for a chocolate orange... and not a lump of coal :)
Joanna wants the movie "Eclipse" in her stocking!
Johnny and Livi want everything they see on tv in their stocking! :)
Christina would like a new job for Nathan in my stocking :) 

Christmas Scriptures

From Susan: "Lukes retelling of the birth of Christ is my favorite Christmas scripture. In the Catholic Church, it is read at Midnight Mass (called the Mass of the Angels). It is very special to me."


Christmas Traditions and Memories

From Rachel: "My favorite holiday memory is that my family would spend Christmas Eve at my grandparents in Mounds. It was so cold outside, but it would feel warm because of all of the family around! Driving home that night with my dad, mom, and sister was always so fun, listening to the beautiful Christmas music and knowing that Santa was coming the next day. Those are memories that will last forever."
From Susan: "Holiday memories are good...remembering three little ones waking up early and hurrying into the living room to see what Santa had left under the tree!"
From Melinda: "I love our Christmas Eve tradition of the family gathering here for Christmas Eve. We do something simple for dinner...tacos or KFC. Everyone brings goodies to share.
But, my favorite part is when everyone sets in the living room to hear Ron read the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-14. He then reads the story of the Wise Men from Matthew 2:1-11. As Ron is reading the story in Matthew, we pass around a small wooden box of frankincense and myrrh and a red velvet bag of "gold" coins (foil wrapped chocolate).
Next, the entire family (including all of the grandchildren that can read) takes turns reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas". It is so fun to hear the children read!
We end by passing out the gifts, starting with the youngest to the oldest.
Amanda: I remember waiting at the top of the stairs for everyone to get ready so we could walk down in order, youngest to oldest. The anticipation was so fun!
Christina: Amanda stole my favorite, pretty much word for word! :) That was the absolute best moment every year!  Now, it's the same moment with my own kids, and the anticipation of THEIR excitement is the best :)

Mama Essie's Famous Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:
3 large bananas
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup of oil
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
Directions: Mash bananas. Add ingredients and stir well. Pour into bread bread pan sprayed with Pam. Bake at 325 degrees. Check at 45 minutes. Done when tooth pick comes out clean. (This is a big, thick, moist bread and can take over an hour to bake.)
This is the best banana bread that I have ever eaten!

Amanda's Hot Chocolate

3 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
mini marshmallows
mini chocolate chips

Stir together the dry milk powder, sugar, cocoa and creamer in a large bowl. Add 1/3 cup mixture to 3/4 cup boiling water, add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Top with marshmallows and milk to adjust the chocolateyness to your liking.

Optional ingredients:
dash of cinnamon or vanilla are yummy too!

Joanna's Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Bars

One box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick softened margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
12 ounces chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients, spread on greased 9X13 pan and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

PRAYER REQUEST:

Andy's mother has been in a recent accident. She is now recovering from a craniotomy and broken bones. This could be a long recovery. We are grateful that she is doing better but would appreciate prayers in her behalf. Thank you!

November Birthdays

November 4  Amanda Burton's birthday

November 21 Ben Weston's birthday

 November 30 Nina Weston's birthday

Happy Birthday everyone!

Family Funnies

While in the restroom at the Austin airport on our way back to Salt Lake City Michael decided to stick his head in the toilet. RIGHT before we boarded the plane! Oops.

Michael managed to lock Amanda, Alicia, Ron and Melinda out of the house. Fortunately Jared was asleep during this time but after 30 minutes of trying to explain to Michael how to unlock the door Ron just broke through it. Sorry mom and dad!!

While on vacation Eddie and Susan were in the stink bug invasion in Gettysburg and spent a lot of time cleaning them out of the camper...you can't kill them because of the stench!  Eddie found out that night that there had been a bug in his shoe all day....he wondered why his feel smelled so bad! Susan found 5 bugs more bugs when they got home.

Livi: "Daddy, lick the peanut butter off my face."
James: "Why don't you wipe it off?"
Livi: "Because my tongue is too short."
James: (Laughing) "Wash it off in the sink."
Livi: "But my sink is out of water."

Halloween Costumes

Dalton says he is too old for dressing up but Carter is going to be a dinosaur. This is after he wanted to be a gun but discovered they don't make gun costumes LOL.

Michael is going to be Steve from Blue's Clues and Jared is going to be Blue! This is their favorite TV show.

Alicia is going to be a ballerina kitty cat with some of her friends :)
Nicholas is going to be a referee.
Zachary is going to be a Ghostbuster.
Keely is going to be Gabriella from High School Musical.
Corrinna is going to be Alice in Wonderland.  She put on her costume and was walking around shrieking "Oh no! I'm Alice and I feel into a hole! I can't get out because there is no ladder and I don't have claws!"

Johnny is going to be Mario.
Olivia isn't sure, either a bat or The Little Mermaid.
Madalyn is going to be Pebbles from the Flinstones.

Family News

Eddie and Susan took a fun vacation! Some of the highlights were Gettysburg; Monticello; Washington DC; Williamsburg, VA; and Arlington National cemetery.

Jacob just finished the fall soccer season.  His team was Portugal and I think they won more games than they lost. Great job Jacob!

Kerrie is settled in STL and back to work, so she's happy and Eddie and Susan are happy to have her closer to home.

Todd has started a business as a dent doctor!

Dalton played football and the season is now over.  He play both defense and offense.  On offense, he had 2 touchdowns and over 100 yards rushing.  On Defense he had 5 sacks and over 30 tackles.

Liz and Dalton had a great mother son trip to Washington DC.

Nina went on another mission trip to Romania.

Brandon and Rachel moved from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai and they really like it there.

Rachel is in an Intentional Discipleship Missions and Church Planting program at her church.  It is a 2 year program and afterwards, hopefully she will be sent to another country to plant a church under her church in Honolulu. 

Noah and Emma were with Benny and Jan for five days last week while Courtney and Andy spent a few days in Florida.

Also, Ethan, Ryley, Noah, Emma, and Ellie (along with Ashley, Rylan, Chad and Brittini) were at their home recently for a picnic supper and a hayride.

Amanda took Michael and Jared to Texas for 2 weeks. It was a great trip and the boys enjoyed bonding with their Texas family!!

James started a new job and he is really enjoying it!

Thank you so much for all of the family news! I look forward to hearing what everyone is up to next month!

Love,
Amanda

17 February 1942

"Jiggs" at 19 years old with his Aunt Callie
 at 18 years old in front of his truck.

The world had changed for young people in the United States as soon as the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The news of the war in Europe and the Pacific had seemed so far away.
"Jiggs" Weston was aware that he had many important plans and decisions to make. But, his first priority for this particular day was to talk to his boss and mentor, "Turk", and his wife Lucille.
"Jiggs" had a plan. He was going to Pulaski and ask Christine to marry him. But, his plans did not include a big, church wedding. He wanted to get married today! And, he wanted "Turk" and his wife to be the witnesses.
"Turk" and Lucille were aware of his interest in the pretty high school girl from Pulaski. But marriage now? They assured "Jiggs" that, yes, they would be his witnesses...but, as soon as he left, they went to bed. It had been a long day and they were sure that she would say "no"!
"Jiggs" drove to Pulaski and to the Aldred Family home. He was so nervous and so excited that he rushed to knock on the front door. However, it was Mrs. Aldred that answered the door and not Christine.
"Jiggs" almost stammered as he asked to see Christine. Essie was helpful and told the young man that although Christine was not there, he could find her at "Curt's Place", the local hang out for teens and young adults in the Spencer Heights area between Villa Ridge and Mounds. (This same restaurant with a juke box and dance floor later became known as "Teen Town".) What Mrs. Aldred failed to tell "Jiggs" was that Christine was there on a date with another young man, Johnny Crain!
"Jiggs" continued his pursuit of Christine and drove to the restaurant. As he pulled up into the driveway, he saw one of Christine's girlfriends. "Jiggs" asked the young woman if she would tell Christine that he was outside and would like to talk to her.
A few minutes later, Christine did come outside. "Jiggs" asked her if they could sit inside the car and talk. She smiled and asked what he wanted to talk about.
As soon as they were seated comfortably in the car, "Jiggs" picked up a matchbook. He began to tear out first one match and then another. He seemed very interested in the match book and the matches! He continued tearing out each match until the book was empty.
Christine was at first perplexed and then a little exasperated. Finally, Christine told the nervous young man that if he came to talk to her, he needed to talk!
"Jiggs" nearly blurted out the words that he loved her and wanted to marry her.
The stunned young woman was speechless.
Then, he told her that "Turk" and Lucille were waiting in Anna to be their witnesses. They could leave that very minute and pick up the witnesses and head to Cape Girardeau. They could be married that very evening!
By this time, Christine realized that "Jiggs" was serious. And, so was she!
Christine told him that they had better leave right then and off they went.
It took a few minutes of pounding on the door of the Turkington home in Anna to rouse the sleeping husband and wife!
But, the elopement proceeded with out a problem and they were married before midnight.
While the happy young couple enjoyed their honeymoon, all was not quite right with the rest of the world!
Johnny Crain wondered where his date was. How could he tell Mr. and Mrs. Aldred that he had lost their daughter???????
As soon as "Nappy" and Essie had heard that she left the restaurant with "Jiggs",
"Nappy" was threatening to take his shotgun and find them!
"Turk" was not a stupid man. He denied any knowledge of the elopement and sent "Jiggs" on a truck delivery to Chicago. He also told "Jiggs" to take Christine with him.
While "Jiggs" and Christine were in Chicago, a tragedy occurred. A young woman of Christine's description and wearing similar clothes to Christine, was stabbed to death in a movie theater in Chicago. Radio news was broadcasting her description all over the tri-state area because she had not yet been identified.
"Nappy" and Essie Aldred were frantic. "Nappy" called "Turk" and asked him to get a message to "Jiggs" that all was forgiven and for the kids to come home.
True to their word, "Nappy" and Essie accepted the marriage and treated "Jiggs" as a member of the family.
Legend has it that the streets of Anna and Jonesboro flooded with tears as soon as the news got out that "Jiggs" Weston was married.

Family History

King Edward I, "The Elder", King of the Anglo Saxons and Lord of England, was a member of the House of Wessex. He was born in Wessex in 869.

By the age of 22, Edward was a "sub-king" for his father, Alfred the Great. Edward was leading his fathers army in battles against the Danes in the north and the east to consolidate the gains Alfred made in winning back English lands lost before Alfred's reign.

Edward spent much of his life leading his armies in battle to fight first the Danes and then the Vikings stationed in Ireland. As he gained ground against his foes, Edward would build fortresses to protect his people and the land from foreign invaders. He is credited with being the first king with organizing "the intelligent use of militia".

Edward died leading his army against a northern rebellion on 17 July 924.

Edward was not only a king but a husband and father as well. He was married three times (we are decedants from his second wife) and fathered 14 children. He was very concerned about his childrens education and life at court. Edward prepared his children for life fulfilling their royal duties as well as future responsibilities in the church. Three of his sons became a king and one son and one daughter chose a life dedicated to church service.

Edward's daughter, Edhilda Eadhylde, married the Duke of Paris. Their son was Hugues Capet, King of France. Some of the other names of Edward's descendants that you might recognize include William the Conqueror; William I, the Lion King of Scotland; and, King Alexander Dunkeld of Scotland.

Other family names in our lineage are Hoo; St. Clair; Gage; and Bacon.

In our family journey to the United States, we find that Nathaniel Bacon left Suffolk, England sometime in early 1600. His son, Samuel Bacon was born in Pymouth, MA, on 25 February 1650. The Bacon family moved to New Jersey where Abel Bacon was born in 1687. Abel's granddaughter, Grace Bacon married Daniel Kelsay. Their daughter, Tabitha Kelsay was born in Macoupin County, Illinois. She married Eli Fitz Jarrell. Their daughter, Maria, married John Jackson Skeen from Nashville, TN. They settled in Franklin County, Illinois. Their daughter, Laura, married Hiram Weston. Hiram's son was John Edward Weston; his son was Cedric Corbal Weston; and his son was Edward Eugene "Jiggs" Weston.

King Edward is "Jiggs'" 30th great grandfather!

"Jiggs meets Christine"

Christine and her convertible outside the Aldred family home, 1941

The years of 1940 and 1941 was a time of hope for the nation that better times might be coming.
"Jiggs" was working for Turkington Truck Company out of Anna-Jonesboro. It wasn't just the fact that he had a job, but it was a job that he loved. Driving the big rig all over the Southern Illinois area and later the state was a dream come true for a boy who felt trapped in an orphans home.
However, even more important than that was the care and acceptance he felt from his employer, "Turk", and his wife, Lucille.
Christine was enjoying the most wonderful time of her young life. Her father, "Nappy", owned his own produce company. Her mother, Essie, assisted him by working in the office and helping "Nappy" with the books. The business was so successful that Christine's parents had given her a little blue convertable....she loved zipping around the Pulaski-Mounds area. She was very well liked by all of her school friends and kept up with a busy social schedule.
On this particular day, "Jiggs" was scheduled to pick up a load of vegetables from the Aldred Produce Company in Pulaski. He was usually met either by "Nappy" or his attractive young wife, Mrs. Aldred. But, today, there was a young girl in the office. By "Jiggs" estimate of Mrs. Aldred's age, he thought the girl could not be much older than 12.
"Little girl, are one of your parents here?" "Jiggs" asked.
The "little girl" stood up as tall as she could, raised her chin, and indignantly told the cocky young trucker, "I will have you know that I am 17 years old!"
Oops.....

September and October Birthdays & Anniversaries

September

September 1  Rachel Weston's birthday

September 9  Olivia White's 4th birthday
September 26 in memory of Wendy Weston Riggs

September 28  Ashley Gooch's birthday

October

October 5  Brandon Kindle's birthday 

October 5  Melinda White's birthday

October 6  James White's birthday 

October 7  Nicholas Davila's 12th birthday

October 9  Jonathan White's 8th birthday

October 12  Courtney & Andy French 8th anniversary ♥

October 14  Heather Weston's 13th birthday

October 15  in memory of Justin Michael Riggs

October 28  Christina Davila's birthday

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all! What a busy October we have in our family!

Funny Moments

As a new addition to the blog we want to start writing funny things that happen, or things that the kids say. Anything that makes you smile, we want to hear it!

Dave and Amanda's Family:

Dave took me to a bed & breakfast as a graduation gift. It had a pond with canoes to ride on, which we really wanted to do. I wanted to wait until after dinner because it was too hot during the day, so it was about dusk when we got on but it was well lit. Anyway, I really wanted to see the swans that were on the other side of the pond so by the time we paddled over, took pictures and turned around it was dark. I noticed all of these "birds" flying at the water eating the mosquitoes, but I thought it was strange for birds to be out this late (I know, all of this from a college graduate!). Dave informed me that they were bats and I immediately started freaking out. He paddled us back to shore practically by himself because I was useless with my hysterics. I got out first and I was holding the canoe in so Dave could get out, the bats were getting a little too close at this point and I wasn't holding him in very well and as he grabbed for the dock the boat moved... with his feet still in it. I think he was holding on to to dock with his feet in the boat, stretched to capacity for a good 10 seconds before I pulled him back in. Fortunately, he didn't fall in the lake!

Kid Funnies:

Amanda: Michael, what's in your mouth?
Michael: A bug. Yummy!


Nathan and Christina's family:
Christina: Corrinna, it would help me out if you stayed in the stroller.
Corrinna: It will help me if I get out!

Nathan (after Corrinna talked him into something he had said no to): Corrinna, why do you get everything you want?
Corrinna: Because I'm beautiful!

James and Joanna's Family:
Johnny put carrots between his fingers and said "I'm Wolverine!" Livi was running around with no shirt on and said "I'm Nakedarine!"

These are just some examples of things we would like to hear about. I look forward to reading funny things that happen in your family!

Love,
Amanda

Family News

Kerrie moved back to Saint Louis, MO - I am sure that her family is happy to have her closer to home!!

Rachel tells us that Brandon is working on the movie set of "Battleship" and he met someone on the set that had worked with Gary on the movie US Marshals!

James starts his new job this month and he is really looking forward to all the new things he will be learning!

From the Nathan and Christina Davila family:

Nathan will complete his Marketing degree on September 13th!!

Nicholas has mastered Middle School like a pro by day 2!

Alicia has been selected to be the Assistant Director for her school's upcoming fall show!

Corrinna started preschool 2 days a week; she and Christina are both surviving the separation well :)

Not to leave out the other kids, Zachary and Keely are doing well in their new classes also!

From the David and Amanda Burton family:

Jared started crawling and got his first tooth! He causes more mischief now, but he also is happier because he can get around :)

Michael learned how to do a forward roll in his gymnastics class!

Thanks for contributing!!

Love,
Amanda

FAMILY HISTORY

CHARLEMAGNE King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

Most of the us know Charlemagne (which means Charles the Great) from history classes. I will discuss a little of these historical facts but I want to focus more on the man himself.

Charles was born in Prussia (Germany) in 742, and named for his famous grandfather, Charles "The Hammer" Martel. As the son of King Pippin, he grew up quickly and was taught from his youth about his responsibility to and for the people he would rule one day.

At his father's death, the kingdom was divided between Charles and his younger brother. However, his brother, Carloman, died within two years, and Charles was now responsible for the entire kingdom.

In the 47 years of his reign, Charles had 53 military campaigns...it has been said that " 'By the sword and the cross' Charlemagne became the master of Western Europe".

Today, Charlemagne is regarded as not only the founding father of both the French and German monarchies, but also the "Father of Europe".

Charles is also credited with the ushering in of the beginnings of the Renaissance. It was the custom at that time in history for jesters to entertain during dinner. Instead, Charles would have scholars read from works about history, scholarship, and the classics. He also studied rhetoric; astronomy; logic; and, math. He spoke German; old Teutonic; literary Latin; and understood Greek. He continued to persue education throughout his lifetime and encouraged both education and culture of all those in his family, in his court, and in his kingdom.

Charles is described by his contemporaries as " tall and stately, standing 6ft 4 inches"; "his hair was long and flowing and light in color"; "his face is laughing and merry"; "his eyes are large and animated"; "his gait is firm and his carriage dignifed and manly"; "his voice is clear and strong"; and, "He was temperate in eating and drinking, and abominated drunkedness. He kept in good health despite every exposure and hardship."
Charles died at his palace in Aachen on 28 January 814, in his 72nd year. He had been in good health and had enjoyed hunting earlier that month. He remained a vigorous man until the last week of his life. Charles often bathed in hot springs and modern day scientist and physicans speculate from historical accounts of his symptoms that he caught a chill after his last trip to the hot springs and that it progressed into pleurisy.
Charles received holy communion at 9am on the morning of the 28th, and died later that day.

HOW ARE WE RELATED TO CHARLEMAGNE? Christine Pearl Aldred was the daughter of Essie Melinda Chapman; Essie was the daughter of Delia Pearl Lackey; and, Delia was the daughter of Mary Melvina Stringer. It is through the Stringer family line that we find marriages through the Dickersons; Andrews; Knightlys; Throckmartins; LeSpines; deMontfords; Beaumonts; Comyn, Earl of Buchan; etc, all the way to Hugh Capet, King of France; and, King Robert I, King of the Franks.
Charlemagne is Christine's 43rd great-grandfather.
SIDE NOTE: However, in my research of documented genealogy, I have found that we are related to Charlemagne through more than one family line. And, through this other lineage, I have been surprised to find that we also have ties to nobility in Spain and Belguim.

Christine

Christine Pearl Aldred

Clarence Edward "Nappy" Aldred and Essie Melinda Chapman were married on Christmas Day in 1921. Because the economy in the smaller farming towns was already beginning to show signs of recession, they sometimes found themselves so poor that it was necessary for each of them to move back into their parents home.
Their only child, Christine Pearl Aldred, was born on 20 March 1924. She was the sunshine in their lives during the growing ecomonic crisis. Christine was known as the small town "Shirley Temple". With her blond girls, dimpled smile, and beautiful singing voice, she was admired by all of the local towns people.
Christine would spend much of her early growing up years on the Chapman family farm with her beloved grandparents, Andrew Jackson Chapman and Delia Pearl Lackey.
Andrew and Delia welcomed all four of their daughters and their families to the farm whenever needed during the Great Depression. It was a time of working together to provide for the needs of each and every one.
The husbands would leave early every Monday to search for work. "Nappy" did everything from painting a bridge to becoming a barber. No work was beneath the men for it was important for the survival of their families. The men would return late on Saturday to spend the time they could with their families.
On the farm, the Chapman daughters helped in the home, in the gardens, and with the annimals. Even the young cousins had their own responsiblities of gathering eggs, feeding the chickens, and weeding the gardens.
In the spring, they would buy a pair of white shoes. In the fall, they would buy black shoe polish to cover the white. As the soles of the shoes became worn, thin, and riddled with holes, they would line the insides of the shoes with cardboard to keep out the rain and snow.
Regardless of how poor the families were, each one used their talents to help the family. Christine's mother, Essie, was a seamstress. She could take any kind of cloth and make something beautiful. She loved to sew for the entire family. (I heard as a child from the Pulaski elmentary school teacher, Mrs. M D Hoffner, that Christine was always the best dressed child at school because of the dresses her mother made her.)
The Chapman family were active in their little church snuggled on the side of Rose Hill in Pulaski, Illinois. The Pulaski Christian Church had a small congregation and became a close church family. The dirt and gravel country roads made the travel time for the farm families from the more remote areas a long and dusty journey to attend the Sunday morning meetings. To accomodate these families and to enjoy the fellowship of their church members, many Sundays would find the congregation sharing a potluck dinner in the church basement or having a picnic when the weather would allow. Vacation Bible School was always open to every child in the community.
The Chapman family was also active in the plays and the local talents shows at the community center in Villa Ridge. During the time before television or the internet, the activies at the community center were one of the few entertainments in the area and a highlight in the often bleak lives of people in all of the neighboring communties. (The Chapman sisters were all talented singers and dancers. Christine's mother, Essie was such a gifted actress that she once received a write up in a local paper.) Dances and other events and activities were also held at the community center and were always well attended by all of the families in the surrounding area.
Christine was also well loved by her paternal grandparents, Alfred Wesley Aldred and Katherine Elizabeth Stoddard. Their beautiful two story home in Pulaski was turned into a boarding house to provide income so that they could survive during those lean years. For Katherine, a member of the wealthy and prominent Stoddard family of New York, this was a very difficult adjustment. But, regardless of the amount of hard work required or number of boarders, they always made time for Christine and there was always a special place in the home for their granddaughter.
January of 1937 was a very difficult one for many people in the tri state area. The temperatures were frigid. Sleet and snow fell faster and harder than anyone could remember. Soon, the Ohio River's freezing waters overflowed the banks and flood water poured into the already sodden land of Southern Illinois. Christine never forgot that year and the hardships that befell the farmers. Their fields were covered with ice, snow, mud, and the flood waters. The only way to leave the Chapman farm was by boat.
As the years progressed and the economic tides turned for the better, "Nappy" was able to find steady work and provided a home for Essie and Christine in Pulaski.
However, "Nappy" had a drinking problem. When he was not drinking, "Nappy" was handsome, dashing, and well liked. He was known as one of the most intelligent, congenial, and gentlemanly men that anyone could hope to meet. But, when he was drinking, he would often disappear and gamble away all of their money. There were also rumors of other women.
Before Christine was a teenager, her mother could no longer hide the truth. As any sensitive young child would be, Christine was often humiliated by the whispered innuendoes and knowing smirks of local people. She knew that her father was well liked and respected by all when he was not drinking (sometimes for years) but a source of embarassment during his drinking binges and even ridicule on the one occasion that he became so drunk that he was swindled out of their family farm.
Druing those difficult periods, Essie would work at any job that she could find from telephone operator to running her own second hand store. No matter how difficult times might be or how long the hours she worked, Essie would always be sure that her only child was loved and protected and that Christine had at least the basic things that she could provide.

Chapman Family, 1910

Essie, Bessie, Andrew, Juanita, Delia

Family News

Liz's son Dalton started middle school!

Christina's son Nicholas will also start middle school in just 2 short weeks. These kids sure are growing up!! And making the rest of us feel old...

Christina's husband Nathan is in his last 5 week class for his bachelors degree. I will never know how he managed to accomplish that with 5 kids and working overtime. Way to go Nathan!!!

Amanda also completed her bachelors degree this month!

Thanks for everyone who contributed to the family news, I look forward to hearing about what y'all are up to next month!!

Love,
Amanda

FAMILY HISTORY

"Jiggs" mother was Bertha Irene Wiley.

Bertha's mother was Julia Ette Shadowens (b 1875 in IL)

Julia Ette's father was Claburn Shadowens (b 1836 in TN)

Claburn's father was David Chaudoin (b 1808 in VA)

David's grandfather was Frances Chaudoin (b 1716 in France)

Frances' great-grandfather was Christophe Chaudoin (b in 1605 in France)

Frances Chaudoin married Sarah Weaver about 1850 in Virgina.

Sarah's mother was Francoise L'Orange (b 1700); the daugher of Jean Velas L'Orange (b 1664 in France) ; the granddaugher of Francis L'Orange (born 1640 in France); the great-granddaughter of Jean L'Orange (b 1610 in France); and the great-great granddaughter of Sir Velas L'Orange ( b 1580) of Orange France. (Sir Velas L'Orange was "Jiggs'" 9th great-grandfather.)

WHY DID OUR ANCESTORS LEAVE FRANCE?

The L'Orange family were prominent members of the Orange community in Provence of Southern France. However, the "War of Religions" made many French Huguenot families flee France and find refuge in other European countries.

Our family went first to La Rochelle, France (a beautiful seaport in southwestern France on the Bay of Biscay). There, Jean Velas L'Orange was born in 1664. As the violence and persecution increased, his father, Sir Francis, felt the family was no longer safe and escaped with his family to England in 1682.

Jean Velas L'Orange "the immigrant", sailed with his wife, Francoise Rouvierre and their infant daughter on the "La Nasseau" as they sought a permanent home. They were on the fourth ship that carried French Huguenots searching for religious freedom and safety from persecution that arrived in Virgina between 1700 and 1701. They were numbered in the original settlers of the Huguenot colony of Manakin-Towne, Cumberland County, Virgina.

The "La Nasseau" passengers were from some of the more wealthy and educated families of the French emigrees. They had originally planned to settle in the New York area, but when they arrived on March 5, 1701, they joined the other French Huguenot emigrees in the wilderness colony of Manakin-Towne. This was to be a difficult time in their lives for conditions were harsh and even the bare necessities needed to simply survive were sparse. It took courage and hard work in dire conditions for these refugees to endure the wilderness colony that first few years.

From the many Huguenot immigrants that arrived in the American Colonies, there are a few descendants of other families that you might recognize from the history of our country: George Washington; John Adams; John Quincy Adams; and Paul Revere!

The Huguenot Cross consists of an open four-petal Lily of France; the four petals signify the FOUR GOSPELS. Each petal has two rounded points at the corners to signify the EIGHT BEATITUDES. The four petals are joined together by four fleur-de-lis to signify the MOTHER COUNTRY OF FRANCE. The twelve rounded points on the four petals and the four fleur-de-lis signify the TWELVE APOSTLES. Suspended from the center by a gold ring is a pendant dove signifying the CHURCH UNDER THE CROSS. However, in times of persecution, the dove is replaced by a TEAR DROP.

Family News

Todd and Jacob visited Kerri in Florida. They visited a lot of fun places like Universal Studios, Disney World and the beach! Glad you had a good trip and are home safe!

Christina and her kiddos drove all the way to Utah to visit me! They spent 3 days driving each way and Christina did all the driving herself!! We did so many fun things I can't even name them all (you can look on her blog). It was quite the adventure and I feel very loved :) Thanks for the visit!!

Suzanne had surgery on her hand recently because she had severed a nerve from a splinter while gardening. She is feeling much better and will start going back to work next week! Glad you're feeling better, sis!

From the James and Joanna White family:

James had FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) and he is almost fully recovered. I am sure he is thrilled to be able to breathe better now!

Joanna's brother, Josh, got engaged, finished his residency, got a job and moved to Cedar Park (very close to James and Joanna)... what an exciting time for him!

Jonathan got 2 ribbons in basketball camp for around the world and speed dribbling. I guess he is taking after his daddy in his athletic ability! Way to go Johnny!

"JIGGS"

Edward "Jiggs", Mary Pauline, and Ralph Weston

January 6, 1936

It was a different time and place. Children knew how to amuse themselves with sticks and balls. Girls made paper dolls out of pictures in catalogs. Upside down buckets made great drums. And, there were chores to do...weeds to pull in the garden, water to bring in from the well, and looking after the younger siblings.
For "Jiggs" and his older sister, Mary Pauline "Toots", and his younger brother, Ralph "Tiny", things began to change when their young mother died. They lived with their paternal grandparents in the little house on the hill in Jonesboro, Illinois.
Their father, Cedric "Ced" Weston had to search for work like most adult men in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Jobs were hard to find so a man took whatever job he could find, regardless of the distance. And, then he looked forward to the weekends and traveling home to be with his family and friends again.
On those weekends home, "Ced" begain to court a young widow, Madie Rendleman. She had two lovely little girls and a house on Green Street in Anna, Illinois.
When "Ced" and Madie married, his expectations were that his children would join them in Madie's home. However, Madie felt that she had enough responsiblities with her own children and that "Ced's" children should stay with their grandparents. After all, that was their "home".
As time passed, the grandparents became more feeble and needed financial help from "Ced" to support the three children. However, with times the way they were during the great depression, Madie felt that it took every penny that they had just to survive. She was adamant that there was nothing left over for "those children."
The grandparents tried to get assistance from the state to help with their financial needs. However, as soon as the social workers discovered that the elderly family was trying to survive on a meager amount of money in a small house with no indoor plumbing, the children were removed from the home and placed in an orphanage.
"Jiggs" and his siblings did their best to see each other as often as possible. It was not easy. The boys were not in the same dormitory as their sister and the younger children were seperated from the older ones.
"Jiggs" remembered how excited all of the children were when they got to shop for clothes and shoes. This only happened once a year, so they all hoped they didn't grow too quickly! They received two sets of clothes and one pair of shoes. ("Jiggs" always thought that his size 8 feet were because his feet could not grow properly in the too tight shoes!)
"Jiggs" became eligible for adoption when he was 9 years old. He was a nice looking boy and was academically advanced for his age. One particular couple were very interested in adopting him. They visited often and spent time getting to know the boy. They discussed with "Jiggs" their plans for his future and his education. However, when all of the paperwork was nearly completed and the time came for "Ced"'s signature to allow his older son to be adopted, "Ced"'s wife Madie convinced him that this would not be the best thing for "Jiggs". And, just how would it look for "Ced" to allow his son to be adopted by strangers? "Jiggs" was devastated.
By the time "Jiggs" was 12 years old, it was time for him to help support himself. He was assigned to work on a family farm. His bedroom was the barn. He used old newspapers to line his blankets during the coldest part of the winter. The barn roof was riddled with holes and he did his best to keep warm and dry during the rain and the snow. He always tried to get his morning chores completed before the school bus arrived. However, there were days when he had to walk. And, on heavy snow days, he often stayed on the farm. The farmer did not approve of "Jiggs" going to school because he needed him on the farm and discouraged the boys attendence.
"Jiggs" thought that his first year of high school started out perfectly; he was even moved up one grade. And because he was such an outstanding athlete on the football team, many people overlooked his young age and his worn clothes. However, it was an especially hard winter and "Jiggs" was absent so often that he became discouraged and soon dropped out of school.
By the time "Jiggs" was 15 years old, he was driving trucks and basically on his own.
That was also the same year that "Ced" and Madie temporarily seperated. During that time, "Jiggs" had opportunities to spend some time with his dad. He always considered that time one of the happiest of his life.
Near the end of "Jiggs" life, he and I had an opportunity to talk about his childhood. He discussed the couple who had planned to adopt him and all of the opportunities that he missed. But, then he said that he knew that it was all for the best that he grew up and learned life's lessons the way that he did. For, he knew he was not a perfect man, but he had always tried hard to be a good man. And, he continued, if he had lived his life as a rich man, perhaps he would not have become the kind of man that he wanted to be.
The fact is, of all of the boys his age growing up in the orphans home, he was the only one that did not end up in prison.

July and August Birthdays and Anniversaries

July

July 4   Edward Weston Jr's birthday

July 5   Susan Weston's birthday

July 10   Brent Wyatt's birthday

July 16   Brandon and Rachel Bodell's 6th anniversary ♥

July 19   Emma Brooke French's 3rd birthday

July 20   Chad Weston's birthday

August

August 7 Ron and Melinda White's 41st anniversary ♥

Augist 14 James and Joanna White's 6th anniversary ♥

August 27   Brandon Bodell's birthday

FAMILY HISTORY

Christine's maternal grandmother was Delia Pearl Lackey. Her great, great grandfather, Thomas K Lackey, was born in Ireland in 1744. He emigated to North Carolina as a young man.
The name of Thomas has been passed down in the Lackey family for generations. Delia's grandfather, great grandfather, etc were all named Thomas.
One of our ancestors from that line is yet another Thomas Lackey who was born in Londonderry, Ireland in 1673.
This Thomas' father, Alexander Lechy, was born in Gargunnock, Scotland in 1631.
However, the original family name was De Leckie and there is actually a town named Leckie in Dumbarton County, Scotland were Walter De Leckie (1535) was born.
Walter married Agnes Cunningham. And, through her lineage, we are decendants of Sir William Cunningham (1480); Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus (1469); George Leslie, Earl of Rothes (1416); and, William Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Orkney & Caithness (1408).
However, probably the best known of this heritage is King John (Robert III)Stewart, King of Scotland (1337)and Robert the Bruce (1274).
Robert's full titles are Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, Lord of Annandale, King of the Scots. He is called the "Hero King" for uniting Scotland. He is considered Scotland's George Washington.
You probably know him best from the movie, "Braveheart". William Wallace was protrayed as the hero in the movie, but it was Robert the Bruce who relentlessly pursued freedom for most of his life. He died within a year of reaching his goal of freedom for his people and for his beloved Scotland.

Robert the Bruce at his coronation as King in 1306

As a side note, I wonder just how many Scottish clan tartan plaids our family can wear????

NICKNAMES

"Jiggs"

As a toddler, Edward Eugene Weston loved to "help" his mother with her canning. One day, when he "helped" so much that Bertha spent more time cleaning and less time canning, his mother told him, "You are just a little 'Jiggs'!" The name stuck!
"Jiggs" was one of the main characters (who always was in one type of mischief or another) in the comic strip, "Bringing Up Father", by George McManus. It ran in the newspaper from 1913 through 2000.
"Jiggs" was always grateful for the memory of that day with his mom. Bertha Irene Wiley Weston died when he was only three years old.

"Doodles"

Christine Pearl Aldred was a lovely young woman with many friends. She was known for her beautiful soprano singing voice, her dimpled smile, and her dreamy eyes. She earned the nickname "Doodles" from her friends and cousins because of her habit of daydreaming and doodling in her high school classes when she was supposed to be taking notes!

"Slick"

Gary Andrew Weston was born with "personality"! He could charm and entertain from an early age. When Gary was in high school, he would use that personality to get out of mischief and out of class as often as he could!
When he gave his science teacher, Lawrence Schnieder, the reason for missing science class, the teacher said, "Weston you are slick!" Many of his friends and classmates called him "Slick" from that time forward.

I hope you enjoyed these stories and that they have helped you know our family a little better.
If any of you have nickname stories that you would like to share, please e-mail me at msw8769@yahoo.com.

May and June Birthdays and Anniversaries!

Look at all of the fun birthdays and anniversaries this month! Happy Birthday and Congratulations to all! I have included the belated May birthdays as well since we collected these dates in the middle of last month, we just barely missed them :) I hope our May *babies* had wonderful birthdays as well!

June

♥ June 8~ Nathan and Christina Davila's 13th anniversary

~June 17~ Jacob Tyler Weston's 8th birthday

~June 20~ Megan Hamilton Kindle's birthday

♥June 21~ Brent and Elizabeth Wyatt's 2nd anniversary

~June 24~ Kerrie Lee Weston's birthday

~June 29~ Corrinna Claire Davila's 4th birthday

May

~May 8~ Zachary Braeden Davila's 10th birthday

~May 25~ Ryley Grace Gooch's 9th birthday

~May 27~ Keely Nicole Davila's 7th birthday

~May 28~ Rylan Thomas Gooch's birthday

~May 31~ Richard "Richie" Neil Weston's birthday

PLEASE let me know if I am missing someone's special day by emailing me at cndavila1@yahoo.com

Our Heritage

In doing some research on our family history we have found some interesting things about our ancestors!

Through the Edward Stoddard (Christine's great great grandfather) line we are related to Captain Myles Standish. If you don't recognize the name from your history books, he was a passenger on the Mayflower and was the Plymouth colony's military leader. I am no history expert but I am sure you can learn much more about him via Google!

Another fun fact, Myles Standish has a monument in Duxbury Massachusetts which he helped found. Does that make us famous?! :)

We have traced this line back to Myles's great grandfather Sir Ralph de Standish who was knighted by King Richard II for protecting the young King from an attack led by Wat Tyler. Some sources that I found have even referred to Sir Ralph de Standish as the King's knight after the protection he provided him that day.

Family News

Chad, Brittani and Ellie Rae are moving into their new home!

Rachel and Brandon have just safely returned home from a fun visit with the family!

From the Brent and Elizabeth Wyatt family:

Dalton has graduated from the 5th grade! Look out junior high!

From the Nathan & Christina (White) Davila family:

Alicia auditioned and made it into the IB (International Baccalaureate) theater class. This is a huge honor because it is the most advanced group and mostly for upperclassmen! Way to go Alicia!

Nicholas & Zachary both got commended scores on their TAKS, Texas assessment test. Nicholas got a perfect score on math and missed only 1 question in each other section. Zachary only missed one question in each section. Way to go boys!

Nicholas has also graduated 5th grade and will be moving on to middle school. It's hard to believe these kids are getting so old!

From the James & Joanna White family:

Jonathan's soccer team finished their season undefeated! Wow!

From the David and Amanda (White) Burton family:

Jared who is 6 months old finally slept through the night for the first time! Woo hoo! I am sure all you parents know what a relief that is :)

Welcome!

My mom, Amanda, and I have been having a lot of fun getting this blog started and brainstorming fun ideas for future posts. The vision is that we will share family stories and photos both old and new, plan next summer's reunion, and overall just have a place where we can celebrate our family. We have fun ideas for upcoming features, family spotlights, and photo contests! My first project will be to ask for family look-alike photos, but I will send details out about that next week as I don't want to overwhelm anyone right away! Right now, I just want everyone to take a peek and offer any suggestions or input that you would like- the more the merrier! This will not be fun without everyone's participation! I'd love if you could leave a comment so we know who's been here and what your thoughts are so far! Be sure to scroll down- after the welcome messages from each of us is a great first post, "Meet the Family" :)

Love, Christina

Family News

Once a month I would like to post any good news that you would like to share. I am sure that at least ONE good thing happens to each of us during a month, right? I think it would be great to hear about all the fabulous things going on in your lives and it will help all of us keep up with each other. Please send you good news to me at panders04@yahoo.com every month, or as often as you'd like! I can't wait to hear from you!

Love,
Amanda

I AM SO EXCITED!

I hope that the Weston Family Blog will become your favorite site!
However, to make this blog work, we must have YOUR input! The new features for next month will only work if YOU participate.
Do any of you have baby or childhood pictures that resemble any of the four Weston children? We will have a contest to see who has the best look-alike picture!
We will be featuring a Good News segment. Of course we want to include marriages, graduations, new babies, etc. But, we also want things like James' 7 year old son, Jonathan, scored a goal in soccer last week! Or, someone got a raise or new job or went on vacation. If it makes you happy or proud, it belongs on our blog!
We will be talking about nicknames next month. Where did "Jiggs"; "Doodles"; or, "Slick" get their nickname? What was the story behind it? We also want to include YOUR nickname and the story behind it!
Amanda will be helping me with a family history story or information. We are going to learn a lot about our roots!
Christina is going to be helping organize the family birthday calendar. We need ALL of you to send her your family birthdays. Please include persons full name; month; day; and, year of birth. This can only happen if YOU help!
Looking ahead, in July we will be voting on the family t-shirt design. We hope that everyone participates, even the kids!
Our goal is to update the blog on the first of each month. That means that we need you to submit your info, pictures, and stories to us by the 20th of May.
We would also appreciate any ideas or feedback that you have that will help us make the family blog the very best it can be.
I can hardly wait to hear from YOU!
Melinda Weston White

Meet the Family

Edward Eugene "Jiggs" Weston

son of Cedric Corbal Weston and Bertha Irene Wiley

paternal grandson of John Edward Weston and Anna Otelia Schaffer

maternal grandson of Elbert Berton Wiley and Julia Ette Shadowens

Christine Pearl Aldred

daughter of Clarence Edward Aldred and Essie Melinda Chapman

paternal granddaughter of Alfred Wesley Aldred and Katherine Elizabeth Stoddard

maternal granddaughter of Andrew Jackson Chapman and Delia Pearl Lackey

Melinda Susan Weston

Melinda and Edward Eugene "Eddie" Weston, Jr.

Melinda, Eddie and Gary Andrew Weston

Eddie, Melinda, Ben Michael Weston and Gary