MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!

“ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting father, the Prince of Peace. “ Isaiah 9:6

Greetings to all our friends and family. We hope this letter finds you with joy and happiness as we celebrate the Christmas season, and the joy of the birth of the Christ child.

As we journey through life, we all cross many bridges. They are milestones, precious moments, and memories that cause us to stop and consider where we are going. This has been a year of many bridges for us, both high and low. I would like to share the stories of some of these times with you.

In early March Ryan proposed to a wonderful young lady, Tina Clause. We have known her family for years here in Santa Barbara. Needless to say, we were thrilled. Tina graduated in June from UCI Medical School and began her residency at UCSD at the end of June. On September 19, Ryan and Tina were married on a beautiful day at the Santa Barbara Zoo. They honeymooned in Tahiti, and make their new home in La Jolla. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tina Harnsberger to the family!

In March of this year, the Schirm and Scribe families came together in Napa to celebrate my Dad’s 90th birthday. It was great to be together, and so amazing that he is still with us today. My sister Nicky and her husband Dr. Tom Suard continue to attend to all the details that keep our Dad with us. Papa Bear continues to enjoy his life at the Meadows of Napa. Each month I make the drive up to Northern California to visit with him and check in with the rest of the family that lives there: the Suards, Brierlys and the Johnson family.

In June, after school ended, I realized it was time for a change. I passed the art teacher baton on to a new teacher, and officially retired as the SBCS art teacher. As much as I loved teaching, I felt the calling to cross that bridge in life, mainly to help care for family members and spend more time with Fritz. I continue to enjoy art with my own paint brush. Check out some of my recent paintings at lorettespalette.com. I am also writing a book about my grandmother, and rewriting my art lessons as a how-to book for teachers. Most recently I was able to go to Orlando and Disneyworld after Thanksgiving with my niece Carrie and her family, through the “Make a wish foundation”. I am so happy I was available to do this.

At the end of July, Rachel and Johan moved back to California. Johan defended his dissertation proposal in November and passed. He continues to work on this big project and hopes to have his Doctorate next year. Rachel has been applying to various jobs at non-profits and universities throughout Southern California. Having worked at Harvard for the last 2 1/2 years, she has a wealth of experience with special events, government affairs, and international relations. Rachel and Johan hope to make their new home in San Diego soon, but with the job market being what it is, the process has been slower than they would like. They are currently living with us in Santa Barbara as they make this transition in their life.

At the end of August, the Schirm family was able to once again get together for our annual family reunion: this year it was in Santa Cruz. This is always a wonderful time for the whole family, but this year it had special significance as we got to spend a wonderful week with my sister Jill. Jill had been battling colorectal cancer for four years and on September 14th, Jill passed away from this life to her new heavenly home. Her passing leaves a hole in my life, as my sisters have always been my best friends. She was truly an amazing person. Her energy, enthusiasm, kindness, love for all, and joy of life were an inspiration to all. She was loved by so many, with over 750 attending her service on Sept 25. A tribute to Jill can be found at brierleyblogger.com

Fritz continues to be successful with his business during these unpredictable times, carefully watching over the assets entrusted to them. Marathon Investment Programs was in Forbes Magazine again this year: this time in the billionaires issue, in an article that highlighted the “Leading Wealth Managers of Southern California”. Today, as I am writing this letter, it is Fritz’s 61st birthday. How this year has flown by. He is the best looking 61 year old in my book. He continues his daily swims and bike rides and has picked up a new hobby, go-cart racing.

Phillip works full time with Fritz from his own office in Orange County. His knowledge and expertise play a vital role in the success of the company. He loves his life in Orange County. He has many wonderful friends and roommates that he enjoys hanging out with and going on surf trips with. This year he has been to Mexico, Hawaii, and Nicaragua. Also, being located closer to Ryan, they can see each other more often.

May this season of Christmas celebration be one filled with family and friends. We are so grateful for you. In this day of Facebook, emails, blogging, texting, etc. -- we are thankful for all the unique ways to keep in touch with each of you. As I look back on 25 years of Christmas letters, I realize these are the “original” blogger pages. As we journey through life and cross those different bridges in our lives, it is nice to know we have so many friends and loved ones we care about. You are all truly special to us.

With Love from the Harnsbergers
Fritz and Lorette,
Phillip, Ryan and Tina Harnsberger
Rachel and Johan van Gorp

Family blogger site: Harnzblogger.com Email: loretteharnsberger@yahoo.com
fritzharnsberger@gmail.com

Sometimes when you loose someone very close to you, it is comforting to remember them in some special way. For me, painting a picture is a way I can remember and grieve my loss of a special person-- this time it is my little sister Jill. This is a picture taken during a walk with my sister Jill and her husband Casey, on a spring morning in Cayucos, near San Luis Obispo. We are walking towards Morro Rock. I liked the picture, though I had never thought of painting it. In the distance are 5 kids, representing their 4 children plus one. Maybe I should add the future Grandson who is on the way now too. The Rock represents for the solid foundation they have established for their family as Christians.

I love landscape pictures, I think mostly because I see God’s beautiful creation, especially in sunrises, or sunsets, and clouds. God’s signature - His Creation -- is so evident in nature and most importantly is present in His people. Each person is unique. And I celebrate Jill and the special person she was to me all her life. She walked closely to the Lord, especially these last 4 years. Now she is walking with Him.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Dear blogger friends,

On September 19, our son Ryan was very happily wed to his bride Tina. It was a very wonderful day in Santa Barbara in so many ways. Their love for each other was so apparent to everyone there. Ryan met Tina at our church about 1 ½ years ago. Our two families have known each other for many years. Little did we ever know that our families would be joined together in such a special way. Both of our kids went to Santa Barbara Christian School, where I have been a teacher for 14 years. I taught both her sisters, and I taught Tina and watched her grow up from 1994 – 98, when she graduated from SBCS 8th Grade.

The wedding site was at the Santa Barbara Zoo. This last summer, all our days were very foggy, even up to the day before the wedding. The night before the wedding a thick fog hung over the Zoo. YET On Sunday we had an incredibly beautiful day. Absolutely perfect. Thank you Lord. The sun was out, the climate enjoyable, and the setting for this wonderful union was perfect in every way.

Thank you to the Clause family for hosting such a beautiful wedding, to Annie Williams who created beautiful flower arrangements with her wonderful crew of ladies, Rachel who created the bouquets for the girls, and boutineers for the guys. A young friend Shane created our video, and cousin Mike was our DJ. Soooooo much fun! The many talents of the Clause family was so amazing. From the invitations by Cindy, the wonderful Italian cookies by Tina's aunts, to Tina cooking and making all the carmel sauce for the favors of the wedding. Tina and her Mom's vision for the whole wedding was beautiful.

For me, in the midst of the joy of this union, was the bittersweet memory of my sister Jill, who had passed away only 4 days before. It was a very emotional time for me, as anyone could imagine. I am thankful that I had had some special time with Jill beforehand, say my farewell to my precious sister and that I was able to begin to grieve her loss ahead of time. I missed my family from up north, as they were not able to come. Ryan gave a short tribute to his Aunt Jill and Tina's Grandfather before they cut the cake. It was really touching for me.

For us, the wedding and especially the union of these two wonderful young adults was beyond anything as parents we could have hoped for. I am so amazed by it all. God is so good to us. Ryan and Tina went to Tahiti for their honeymoon and are now settling into married life in San Diego. "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps". Proverbs 16:9.

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for all your support these last two weeks since our Jill passed away. Thank you for sharing your love for Jill, special stories and remembrances, and how Jill has touched your life also.

We also appreciated the many nameless helping hands were there making salads, desserts, sandwishes, etc. dinners for the family the last 2 weeks. You know who you are and you are so appreciated.

The memorial for Jill was special, with so many friends and family attending this tribute to Jill. Many funny memories were shared. Jill was courageous, loved to have a good time, a best friend to so many, a jokester, athletic, competitive, beautiful to the end. She always said "Heeeeello, How are you doing today?" and really meant it. Her cheerful smile will be missed by all who knew her. Lots of messages have been posted to her facebook and comments to her blog these days. Thank you for all your love and remembrances for Jill. Here is a copy of the slide show, with her favorite song.

A PDF of the memorial booklet made by Nicky is at this link: http://www.snugharbor.net/images2010/hirez/jill-final.pdf

We love you Jill. We know you are in a better place and you are dancing with the angels.

My dear sister Jill has passed on from this earthly home, to her new home in paradise at 7:45 this evening. I am sure she is greeting many friends at the gates of heaven. Yesterday I learned she last spoke to someone around 1:00. After that she went into a deep sleep. Her family kept an all night vigil at her bed side. Today also has been the same. A pastor came to pray and share with them. Her breathing was labored but her heart just went on. At her home tonight many friends and neighbors had planned to gather at 7:45 for a candlelight vigil, not knowing of course ahead of time, that it would be her time to enter heaven.

What a precious send off for my sister. I will miss you dearly.

Dear Family and Friends,
Today my sister Jill is having her last visits with her family on this earth. She is getting ready to enter the place our Lord has prepared for her. In John 14:2. 'Jesus says that he goes to prepare a place for us." We have an eternal home with the Lord, for all those who have accepted Jesus as their savior. My sister did this many years ago. Our other sister Michy, who left this earthly world over 30 years ago, prayed that we would know Christ and prayed for each one of us to know the Lord. Now I am blessed to know the Lord and so also with my two sisters Jill and Nicky.

We have had many vacation and family times together over the years. Our kids all know each other well. Most of all, we love the Lord. 4 years ago, on a water ski camp with the church high school, Jill as a counselor told the Lord " Lord I want to thirst for you!". A few weeks later, on her 50th Birthday she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. At that time, she poured out her heart to the Lord. Together He helped her walk this journey of living with cancer, going through treatments, tests, xrays, ct scans, radiation, and more chemo than anyone I have every known. I admire her so much for her bravery, her tenacity, her courage and her strength in good times and in bad. My sister has an unbelievable gathering of friends around her. Casey her husband and their 4 kids are incredibly close and love anyone and everyone.

Tonight as I write, which is really apart of the grieving for me, my sister is preparing to enter into the heavenly world. Last Saturday when I left the hospital, I said goodbye to her. Fritz and I had the opportunity to pray with her before we left. Fritz read a verse Colossians 3:1 "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" .

Jill is in God's Hands. You can get any updates on the http://brierleyblogger.blogspot.com/ I have been updating for the family for the last week. Love to you all, Lorette

Hello blogger buddies, I am in the hospital in Concord with my sister Jill. This is her third visit to the hospital in 3 weeks. This time it seems she is finally making some progress. She has not eaten in 2 weeks, and is having a lot of complications caused by ascitis, or cancer fluid in the belly area. She has had her belly drained twice and her lungs. Now that part seems better, but .... Eating is impossible, so she has nourishment by a feeding tube at this point. She has a special NG tube now that has helped clean her out. The picture is from a week ago, her 2nd trip to the hospital. She was walking around the hospital ward area. Today she continues to make progress from the Chemo she had last week. She is truly a fighter in so many ways. We continually pray through this time of changes and concern for her health. She updates periodically at http://brierleyblogger.blogspot.com/
Between bloggers, facebook, etc. The world is really changing so quickly with how we communicate. Thank you everyone for all your prayers and concern for my sister. Her battle with colorectal cancer has been for 4 years now. Many of you who know me well know that my relationship with my sisters is very very close. Having lost our sister Michy over 30 years ago, our bonds grew stronger than ever. Most importantly our relationship in Christ also grew, and binds us forever in HIs caring love. I am truly blessed by all my family members, and all our times together.

Hello blogger Family and friends,
Thank you for all the prayers for my Dad. He has bounced back since the hospital trip. We went for a transfusion, and Lasik drip. But it seemed like they are doing more and more unnecessary tests and blood work. Dad just wanted to go home. We came home Friday and I have been his 24/7 care for the first few days. Then we set up some extra nursing care, so that he is looked after in his place of independent living at the Meadows. Today he had some doctor visits, and I am waiting to see the results of this. I flew home this morning after spending the night with Carrie, Tucker, Emily and Evan In Sacramento.
I will be paying attention to the nursing care for him, as is needed. Marie, a retired RN has been a wonderful support for us during this time. Thank you Marie. We shall see how Dad does this week. As he continues to slow down, we are preparing for the next stage of care for him, so keep him independent as best we can.

Hello dear family and Friends.
My Dad is back in the Hospital at the Queen of the Valley. He went in for a blood transfusion and to have a lasik drip which helps when he gains too much water weight too fast. Its hard on the kidneys though. I flew up early Wednesday morning at the last minute and I felt lucky to get on a very full flight. He has congestive heart failure for a very long time now, and kidney failure. To go through the routine on the hospital is really hard for him, and of course more and more problems are happening. We are planning to see finally this morning the Case manager/social worker and Hospice to see what kind of palative care we can give to Dad and keep him comfortable and at home. We need wisdom and we need Dad to understand what is happening to his body and that things are different when he goes back ( hopefully soon) to his room at the Meadows. Nicky and Tom have been so incredibly patient and helpful with Dad, but its not easy to care for someone in this late stage. I am here to help, and just sit next to Dad as nurses, doctors etc explain things to him and he doesn't get it. I hope I am getting the instructions etc also right. Jill is on her way up today, and Louie got to see my Dad the other day before an emergency took him home to Orange County unexpectedly.

He has bounced back from each hospital visit this last 14 months. He may again this time, for a short while. He is an energizer bunny and is breaking all records for someone with his condition. I don't know what today holds for us, But I am thankful for prayer and support and a God who loves us so much, and strengthens us in these times.

I will try to keep you posted. You can always email me. or post comments here on this page.

Hello blogger buddies,
It has been a busy month, with the end of the school year, and lots of busy weekends. Rachel and Johan have celebrated their 1st anniversary now. -- so amazing how a year goes by quickly. Ryan and Tina have been engaged 3 months as of yesterday the 6th of June ( D-day anniversary also yesterday). 3 1/2 months to go now for the wedding day. Tina graduated on Saturday from UCI Medical school and is now officially "Doctor Clause". ( but soon to be Dr. Harnsberger). It was great to be with the Clause family and participate in the celebration with our friends. Truly and Honor! Then after celebrations and a wonderful lunch, we started to pack up her apartment. In the morning we were off to San Diego with the Clauses and Ryan and a trailer full of the first load of furniture for her move in day in San Diego. It was a marathon weekend for sure especially for Tina, since she had a full day of celebrations on Sunday too. Here are a few pictures to share.

In Boston this weekend. Enjoying being with Rachel and Johan! Happy Birthday Johan! We have been able to go out to the Cape all the way to the tip at Provincetown, Ride bikes along the Charles River, and on the Cape, hang out in the park Boston Commons, shop a lot, and tonight we are off to Fenway park, if it stops raining! We are off to the Science Museum now.
Its been a blessing to be here1

Dear Blogger family,

Late last night I received a call from Ryan! He and Tina are ENGAGED! A joyous day for us has arrived! Ryan has been dating this lovely young lady named Tina since about last May or June. We are incredibly blessed and so excited for both of them.
Their first date was a walk around Balboa and they had an ice cream somewhere down there. They did this again, and then walked out on a pier. It was here that he proposed to her. He had it all planned! This what I know at this point.

We have known Tina's family since we moved to Santa Barbara in 1987. Both our families attend SB Calvary Chapel and Tina attended Santa Barbara Christian School as Ryan did. She was in 4th grade when Ryan was in 8th Grade. They did not know each other then. SBCS is where I teach art, and I had the privledge of teaching her sisters in 1996 till 2003 .

Tina has been in medical school the last 4 years. Next week on March 18th she receives her match for residency. And in June she will graduate. We are very excited for this time. Yesterday, her Mom Katy and I were at a baby shower together for a mutual friend. We prayed together for our kids and their relationship that we have seen grow over the last 10 months. I had NO IDEA Ryan was proposing yesterday also. What an answer to prayer for us.

Hello Blogger buddies.

Happy March. Spring is almost here and its in the air! I just had a drive up the 101 and I saw lots of Lupen already along the freeways. I am up north, on the way to Napa to care for my Dad. I am tag teaming Louie my brother and Nicky as caregivers, as we determine where we are in Dad's care at this time. Dad's 90th birthday is coming up, and day he never dreamed would ever happen and he is determined to make it.

It seems to have been a whirl wind month the last two months. I have had a trip to Napa, Sacramento and Pleasanton in January, a field trip to the Getty this last week and 2 trips to Mammoth with Fritz on the school holidays. Visitors from Kansas City ( Marilyn and Dave with their friends), and last week a cousins get together at the Bohnett homestead to go through family pictures together. My Dad made a trip down with my sister's for the Cousin's time and to see his brother Mike. We had a wonderful visit, and I cared for Dad for 3 1/2 days. But we could all see how weak and tired he was. After he went home he ended up in the hospital on Monday, not surprising.