Many years ago, my grandfather, Jacob H. Bosscher, wrote his memoirs for his children and grandchildren.  Grandpa’s story started back in horse-and-buggy days and involves flu epidemics, budget cutbacks, debt, decades in Rehoboth,New Mexico, and a stint in the New Mexico State Senate. I wanted to make his wonderful story of God’s faithfulness available to my children and grandchildren, so I re-typed Grandpa’s Memoirs and added dozens of photos as well as Grandma’s memoirs and a conclusion written by my Aunt Bea.

If you’d like to purchase your own copy of these memoirs, you can do so by clicking on this link:http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/memoirs/14917049?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/2

Karen Rolader and Aunt Helen

Bob Skarda, Harry Bosscher, Tom Skarda

Bosscher brothers: Art, Harry, Dave, Howard

Charlie and Uncle Art – they drove all night to be at the reunion.

Siblings Dave, Harry, Helen, Art, and Howard

There’s always plenty of chocolate at a Bosscher get-together.

Lots of catching up to do!

Aunt Helen and Bob

Bette and Carol

Arie and Natalie

Bob and Peggy

Sue and Deb

Uncle Howard

Karen brought us fudge made with Aunt Ada’s recipe

Aunt Etta, Natalie, and Bob

Sue and Harry

Our host, Tom, and Mark

Tom and David Jay

Charlie and Rick

Karen and Harry

Bette with Uncle Howard and Aunt Doris

Harry brought this bumper sticker.

A little plug here – Bob Skarda has written a couple of books about early Georgia history.  Check out his website: http://oldoconeebooks.com/

” Abbi Mantel (Natalie’s granddaughter), myself (Emily Bosscher), Uncle Dave, and Natalie”

“Abbi and myself”

“….myself, Natalie, Uncle Dave, Maggie (Natalie’s granddaughter), Natalie Mantel  (Natalie’s daughter), Abbi, and someone I don’t know (I think a former teacher with Natalie)”

Jairo Solano (husband of Rick & Sue Kuiper’s daughter, Kelly) was sworn in as a citizen of the United States in a ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on October 22.

Rick & Sue enjoy a little celebratory tailgating with Jairo and their grandchildren,

Sean and Natasha, after the ceremony

The Solano Family

Jairo & Kelly, Sean, and Natasha

I received this beautiful photo of Aunt Ada’s granddaughter and Tom’s daughter, Holly, and her son Henry.

Holly is a nursing student in Denver.

Harry celebrated his 85th birthday on November 29 with a family dinner.

Left to right: Howard, Harry, Helen, David, Art

Thank you so much, Tom & Sheila, for arranging this reunion!

Back row: Dave, Howard, Harry

Front row: Helen, Arthur

Cousins!  Bonus points if you can name all of them!

Deb & Bob

Uncle Howard sneaks up on Rose

Carol and Lyn

Mary and Uncle Dave

Uncle Art brought along his friend, Harriet

Rose and David

Sally, Carol, Rose, Joy, Lyn

Bob gives Aunt Helen greetings from his siblings

Jack and Mary

Charlie and Jack

David and Tim

Uncle Art and Bob

Peg & Joe

There was plenty of “Bosscher quailified” chocolate available!

Aunt Doris, Lyn, Sue, Sally, and Tom look through an album of Grandpa and Grandma’s photos, which Aunt Doris painstakingly transferred to a sturdier album.  The highlight for many was the discovery of this photo:

Grandma toting a rifle!!!

The following prayer was written by our dear Aunt Bea and was read at her funeral on March 16, 2008,  by her granddaughter Lenee Ligtenberg

PRAYER

Bea Vanderkolk

 Gracious God, our heavenly Father, we sing Your praises today as we remember those who trusted You in the past.  We remember the saints of old as they bore testimony to the power of faith and to Your faithfulness.  On this day, we remember especially women who responded to God’s call.  We are reminded of women whose stories are told in the Scriptures—- women inspired and empowered by God to serve in both common and uncommon ways.

DEBORAH, whom you called to serve as Your prophet, a military leader and judge, through whom You led the Israelites to victory over Canaanite forces.  RUTH, who moved away from her family and homeland, knowing You were calling her to something new.  HANNAH, through whose prayers and faithfulness as a mother You raised up her son to be a leader and judge over Your people.  ESTHER grew in understanding of Your call upon her, and at her own peril defended her people.  All these, and so many others who were Your servants, kept their eyes on You and persevered to become witnesses to those of us who follow in their footsteps.  Let these women continue to be our teachers, O God.

Our day also has heroes of faith.  You continue to call men and women to take up Your cross and follow You.  It is not always easy, but You have promised to be with each one. Your Word strengthens and sustains.  Your love is boundless and unfailing.  Help us in our moments of weakness to keep our eyes on the cross of Christ and to remember the price You paid to ransom us from the bondage of our sins.  Cleanse our thoughts so that we may grow in all spiritual wisdom and knowledge.

Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us as we gather here before You.  Make us faithful in everything we do and say and think.  Strengthen us to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  By Your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world…until Christ shall come again.

We pray this through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

http://www.hbgbgoods.com/

http://quiltedbromeliad.blogspot.com/

You’ve got to see the flowers they’re growing – gorgeous!!

Katie Waterhouse, Rob & Gayle’s daughter, also shares with us her blog’s address:

http://www.katiewaterhouse.blogspot.com/

Her sisters, Beth and Emily, and brother Bob, each have blogs, too, and can be accessed off of Katie’s.

This photo was taken at Harry’s 84th birthday party in late November.

Back row: Peggy, Tom, Bette, Joy

Front row: Gail, “H.B.”, Bev