Train Trips Through the Park

Moberly has a phenomenal park for a city of our size.  Rothwell Park is home to two large lakes, a massive sports complex, water park... and a train. Now, it's not the St. Louis zoo train, but for where we live, it's great.

For years, McGarvey family friends, like the Ballingers, Gerhards, and many others, have volunteered their finances, time and sweat to create an homage to Moberly's historical past.  Every Sunday throughout the summer, the whistle and the clackety music of the rails float through the Park, calling kids of every age.

One recent Sunday afternoon found us giddily awaiting the approach of the next open train.  It was Cooper's first train and Heidi's sophomore event.  It's a leisurely circuit through a mature forest, over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels.

Needless to say, it was such a hit we bought season passes.  

I think Cooper & Heidi liked it, too.

Mother's Day

MLK Celebration

For over 20 years, my family has been involved in the Martin Luther King, Jr service in Moberly.  From the early years, Dad worked with Sylvia Ganaway and others to produce the service; and there were times he emceed the service and he has preached the service.  He served on the MLK Scholarship committee, providing guidance and support.  Jaime has been a soloist numerous times.  Sylvia remembered once my family was away for the weekend and came back, suitcases still in the trunk, just in time to make the service.  This was the first year after Dad's passing and the MLK committee honored him during Monday's service at Second Baptist.  It was very nice... and fitting to memorialize two amazing and committed men that evening.

(photo: Connie Duval, MMI)

Merry Christmas from the Lodge!

Jaime baked the Turkey.
Johnathan carved the bird.
Ted created his aaaamazing pork roast & cranberries.
Glynnda got to use her new table cloth from the Caribbean.
Heidi got a shopping cart and Abby Cadabby.
Cooper got a horse and a guitar.
Scott & Suzi are researching pasture rentals and Gene Autry movies.

And that's what you missed at the Lodge!

(with a nod to Glee...)

 

Memorial DVD Available!

If you missed the Memorial Service or just want to re-live a wonderful evening, this is your chance.  This DVD includes the two hour event, plus the slide show from the Visitation.  Proceeds will benefit the Pastor McGarvey Memorial Fund.

Memorial DVD - $5
Memorial DVD - $8 (with shipping)

You can use the convenient Paypal button below to pay via direct debit or credit card. You may also send a check to Memorial DVD c/o APC, 2197 Six Mile Lane, Moberly, MO  65270.  Be sure to include your mailing address.  If you choose the Pick It Up option, please let me know how you plan on doing that in the order form's special instructions section.

I'll Pick It Up - $5.00 USD Ship It To Me - $8.00 USD

 

And to give you a brief glimpse of what's included,

here's Jaime's Eulogy to "All the Kids' Daddy."

Jaime's Eulogy from The Carpenter's Studio on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was a quiet affair for the Lodge.  The Moberly folks stayed in town, and while we missed the STL clan, it was nice to ease through the day together.  I've been joking that it was a relief that Johnathan learned to carve the turkey (thus taking Dad's job) or we wouldn't have eaten!

After dinner, the weather was so nice we went out for an impromptu turn about the neighborhood.  The kids provided plenty of diversion and the fresh air helped open some space for dessert... well, more dessert.

Piano Recital

Over 140 music lovers and family members attended Mom's annual piano recital this weekend.  This year she had 26 tickling the ivories and 4 on the sidelines for various reasons.  This was probably the best recital I've seen in years.  There was the first grader who played and sang (even stopping to invite the audience to a sing-along!) and a great little number from Randy's brass quintet who accompanied his piece.

Congrats to Mom on another successful year in the music business!