Leonhardt Family Blog

williameleonhardt.com

2011-02-11T02:08:00.002-05:00

It seems like no one from the family is writing / posting here anymore, but in the off chance that you see this and are interested, I've started a new site that I'll be adding to regularly. It can be found at www.williameleonhardt.com

I hope you're all doing well.

The Three Amigos

2009-03-01T23:53:00.004-05:00

Ran into this picture--and thought you guys may want to see my uncle Fred & Uncle Dan with my dad. Oh, and i know you all have time to get on facebook, but let's not neglect the family blog!!

Brrr........

2008-12-24T11:47:00.002-05:00

Meg kissing our snowman!

Merry Christmas Leonhardt, Boone, Avila, Brown, people!

Remember it's all about Him!---

WINTER WONDERLAND!!!

2008-12-22T19:17:00.004-05:00

O.k. so the snow is absolutely beautiful, but seriously!!! Seriously!!! We had about a foot yesterday and now...... I really don't know. I'm thinking if it gets much worse I might have to eat Luke. It's out of control here!! I'm on a hill, for those of you who've been here you know, but I'm on a hill overlooking a valley, so the wind and snow are clobbering us like nobody's business. With the snow drifts I'd say it's a 3-4 feet deep in areas. We're lucky we still have electricity (knock on wood). Laura and her family have been without since last night. Also, my mom. She's lucky to have the couple that she's staying next to, so the three of them are staying in their RV in the driveway, staying warm (generator I guess). Laura, I don't know. I told her to all cuddle together in a big ball. They don't have to worry about their food going bad with the fridge not working, the food is in buckets outside in the snow.

If we didn't have the layer of ice in between the snow we might have a fighting chance of making it out of here... someday. But, the way it looks now, this original Southern California girl is wondering if she will survive.

Luke and I may go out to make a snow man, the only problem is it's 27 degrees and snowing still. It's a bit chilly.

Luckily, being a PTA mom comes in handy. I've got a couple of huge bottles of Snowcone flavoring, so we've got plenty of snowcones! And the snow is fresh!

For all my beautiful relatives in wet Cali, cold Virginia, cold Illinois or warm Guatemala I love ya and Merry Christmas!!

OUCH!

2008-12-13T02:51:00.002-05:00

The Pembles are praying for you Rosie---
We love you!

Pembles just returned from Hawaii!

2008-11-22T02:37:00.004-05:00

If you want to see pics of our trip, check out our blog.

My mom, Veronica sprained her foot about a month ago and has been recovering. My mom's second book just came out, and she is thrilled. 5 years of working on it and it is now an official book!

Tina is off to Peru on Thanksgiving (read her blog to hear more about that!).

Praying that all is going well with you and that you are able to focus this next week on all of the wonderful blessings God has chosen to shower us with! He is so good. Thank Him!

Tragic News

2008-10-30T12:15:00.002-04:00

Hello Family:
I understand that most of you already know this, but Kyle's family suffered a great loss last week. His Aunt Linda died of ovarian cancer last Tuesday morning. She was diagnosed about a year ago with stage 4 cancer, and lived about 9 months longer than projected. I would have updated you earlier, but we have been very busy with funerals, gatherings, and services in her memory.

It was her husband who married Kyle and I... you might remember her - petite lady with a gorgeous smile and sparkling eyes, helping out Aunt Kathy with some of the ceremony rehersal and planning. She will be greatly missed, as there is now a huge void in the familiy because of her loss.

Please pray for her husband Gene, now coping with being a widower, her son and daughter, and her 3 sisters (one of whom is Kyle's mom). We are sad that she is no longer with us, but THRILLED to know that she is no longer suffering, but sitting at the throne of her Heavenly Father.

All of us truly appreciate your prayers.

Sincerely,

Erin and Kyle

We Are Leonhardt

2008-10-27T12:26:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let you know that we have stopped using the Little Leonhardt blog, which was originally intended for Simon and his birth. We have started a new blog for our family.

You can find it at: http://weareleonhardt.blogspot.com/ We Are Leonhardt

Got the Job!

2008-10-14T20:02:00.004-04:00

Thank you to those who prayed... I got the job! God blessed me with an incredible opportunity to analyze the mainstream media for bias in an age and time where truthfulness is so important...

I am so blessed. I am interning for the Culture and Media Institue, a department in the Media research center. Yay! i work in downtown/Old town Alexandria, its 20 mins from the house, my commute is great!

Love you guys, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Oh, and here are some pics of the boys. :)

- Erin

Prayer needed for job!

2008-10-06T22:58:00.003-04:00

Hello family:
This is just a quick update/prayer request. I (Erin) have the opportunity to get an amazing internship with the Media Research Center. Long story short, they are one of the biggest/most well-respected media watchdog groups, exposing bias in reporting and media and I have the opportunity to work under one of the heads of the company (Mr. Bob Knight). This guy is known in Washignton, is frequently on Fox News and quoted in Washington Post articles. Anyway, he is intersted in me working for him, and of course, I'm stoked about the opportunity.

This week I'm meeting with some people at his office to see if I'm a good fit. They have my resume, and hopefully an interview will be set up soon. (Lord willing).

OK to wrap this up, if you all could be praying this week, this is a crucial week in the interview process, and I need this job. I've been very depressed about my Starbucks job lately, and if this is where the Lord is leading me, please pray that they will find favor in me and see that I am a good match for them (and vice versa).

Thanks you all, love you!

Erin

(here is a link to the organization, in case you want to browse: www.mediaresearch.org)

New Single

2008-10-05T04:03:00.003-04:00

Simon loves the guitar, go figure. He's reached the point where he no longer wants to just listen and sing along.

So today we wrote a new song together. Simon wrote the lyrics. It's called "No, no, no, no, no" as those are the only lyrics in the song. Heh, two year olds...

Update on the Newlyweds

2008-09-16T20:49:00.003-04:00

Well I must say that Kyle and I are truly blessed to have such a WONDERFUL family. The fact that you all flew out so far to see us get hitched is so incredible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We are doing quite well, loving our itsy bitsy teenie weenie place. (hey, its a breeze to clean up, so I'm not complaining!) And as if our space wasn't big enough for two of us... we got two new additions to the family. (No, we're not pregnant with twins) We got kitties! Kyle and I adopted two 4-month old kittens, two black brothers. Consequently, we named them Jamal and Tyrone. (J/k... i wanted to, but Kyle put his foot down and since he is the leader of our new home, I humbly submitted). :) But no, we settled on Bentley and Beemer. (we're car fanatics, what can we say?)

As soon as I load the pics onto the computer, I'll post them up here.

Well thats it for us, Kyle is loving his job, I am loving mine, and we love each other and God and He loves us. We're pretty blessed!

Love you all!

- Erin

Brett & laura went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2008-09-08T19:05:00.005-04:00

To celebrate our 15 yr. anniversary, Brett planned a surprise trip to Cabo San Lucas, where we went for our honeymoon. Although it was just for a weekend we had a great time-- thanks to my wonderful sister who watched the 4 kids. Yes, Brett & I went fishing and we caught 5 of these huge Dorado fish as well as some tuna.

Tina, Veronica and I are all really excited to see Fred and Kathy when they come to visit us in a week --yeah!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Brown!

2008-08-15T00:56:00.003-04:00

The wedding was gorgeous!

The bride stunning.

The groom so handsome.

The location heavenly.

The weather perfect.

Romantic sprinkled with fun.

So glad I was able to join you guys. It will be a weekend to remember forever. Thanks Julie and Che for the ride to NYC. You're the best!

All of my cousins are hilarious! I love you all!

Congratulations on your baptism Charlie and DJ! God has great things in store for you.

Anxious for us all to get together again soon.

Soooooooo Excited!

2008-07-30T23:20:00.001-04:00

I can NOT wait to see you all! I am getting very excited!

Just thought you all should know. :)

-Erin

TWO WEEKS!!!

2008-07-26T01:19:00.003-04:00

Well, with only two weeks til I see most of you, I am getting very excited!! How nervous and excited Erin and Kyle must be.

It will be a short trip for me, arriving the morning of the 8th (Friday). Hopefully someone can pick me up at Dulles. If not, I'll figure it out. Luke isn't coming with me. I can't afford to bring him now. Still trying to talk Laura in to going. She hasn't been feeling great so she hasn't decided if she should come. Pray she feels wonderful so she can join us.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I can't wait to see you!

2008-07-09T18:20:00.005-04:00

I put some new pictures up on our Flikr account. You can search "people" for WilliamELeonhardt, or just follow this link HERE to find the different photo sets.
You can view them by slide shows if that's easier too. If you have a Flikr account add us as a friend so we can see each others updates.

I'm going to test the prints that you can order through them this week, and I'll let you know if the quality etc is any good.

Things here are good. Avery is growing up, interacting more, smiling all the time. Amy thinks she said "Keekee" today, which is what Simon calls the cats. I believe it. She absolutely loves Sam, smiles and laughs and tries to grab him anytime he's near. They're good cats.

Simon is losing any baby-ness that was left about him. He's super active (too active). Loves jump houses, animals, the beach, and thinks that Grandpa is the one that loves him the most. Don't tell Grandma. Besides, we all know the truth - Amy loves him the most.

The job search is more of a soul search at the moment. Trying to figure out what I want to do.

I'm taking a test this weekend for the Newport Police, but hesitate to mention that because it likely won't work out, and I hate telling people when things don't work out. So just assume that it didn't work out, unless you find me in your rearview with lights on.

That's all for now. I'll be putting more pictures on Flikr tonight from the 4th of July so feel free to check that in another day or two if you're into that sort of thing.

Boone Family Update

2008-06-29T03:17:00.011-04:00

Hi Family. It's great to see you all on here.

It will be even better to see you all in person in August.

I loved reading about Tina and Luke in Africa. What an amazing life experience.
I love their hearts for the people.

Rick, Lida and I are all well. We keep busy with work, school, teaching, creating, soccer, the dogs, gardening, keeping the house up and having family fun.

Lida graduated from Calvary Chapel Jr. High and is now officially a High Schooler in public school... oh my! She started summer school last week at Segerstrom and has adjusted surprisingly well. She has already made a couple friends and is working hard in World Geography. She will be playing soccer and running cross-country in the fall.
We are so proud of her, she is a true joy to our hearts. We have been having so much fun with her lately. We are all taking tennis lessons and also visiting the gym together. Our most recent project has been redoing her room into a more grown up teenager theme. As a family project we hand painted flowers on her walls to match her duvet cover, strung lights over her bed, hung art and took out all her stuffed animals.

Rick and I celebrated our eight year wedding anniversary this month. We had a wonderful wine pairing dinner and then went to San Diego for the weekend. We took the train down which was so much fun and much more relaxing than sitting in traffic. We are still madly in love and have grown so much these last eight years of marriage.

Rick is always working hard in real estate...thing seem to be finally picking up a little. Thankfully he also has a job teaching real estate at Orange Coast College. He really enjoys it. He is also applying to Grad School to work towards his MBA. He is the most amazing man; Lida and I are blessed daily by his love, sacrifice and fun spirit.

I have been working at a preschool this year, in a class for children with autism. I love my job! It is fun working with these kiddos and also with Cindy everyday. I will be teaching a couple art classes in July for a few preschoolers and then another class for their older siblings. I am looking forward to it! I have not been painting as much as I would like but have had successful shows the last three months showing in a gallery in the Santiago Arts District in Santa Ana. I have received wonderful feedback and response and sold a couple pieces as well as many giclee prints and cards. I hope to show again in a couple months, hopefully some newer work.

It will be fun to catch up with everyone at the wedding.
I wish you all well and may you be blessed with great love and joy this summer.

Much love, June Boone

8 year anniversary**** ****Lovely Lida, age 14

Our Wonderful Home **** ****June Boone Gallery Show

Charlie in Brazil

2008-06-28T15:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your prayers... Charlie is safe in Brazil, doing the Lord's work. Attached is a picture of him with about 4,000 kids hanging on him. (ok, thats an exaggeration, but I think 3 is a lot) :)

They are very hot (it is on the equator) but doing well. God is working tremendously through the team. Thanks for your prayers!

Chubby cheek contest!!!!

2008-06-26T23:21:00.002-04:00

After reviewing some pictures I decided a vote is necessary. The contestants are Avery, Simon and Uncle Fred. Please cast your chubby cheek vote carefully as there may be awards coming. My vote, after long consideration, is Uncle Fred. Please don't confuse the various types of cheeks.

Have to brag---

2008-06-26T11:47:00.002-04:00

The Statesman Journal, the Salem, Oregon newspaper ran a full page ad on Tina and Luke and their Africa adventure--you should be able to see it with the link below.
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/LIFE/806240325/1059/ARCHIVE

-------------Pray for Tina----------

2008-06-23T16:45:00.002-04:00

She is on her way to Africa as I type!
Luke and Tina will be gone 10 days.
Pray for their safety.
Follow along her adventures on her blog--she said she'll update her blog when she gets to internet cafes.
laura

Veronica is officially coming to Virginia!

2008-06-17T14:01:00.005-04:00

She will be arriving Wednesday, August 6th and will be leaving one week later on August 13th. She is very excited about seeing everyone. She got a good flight for only $262., so she's thrilled.

Oh...... the good old days!

2008-06-13T11:29:00.005-04:00

In case you have not yet seen these pictures of my favorite uncles---

Personally, I don't think that dan looks old enough to even drive in that picture, look at that skinny little kid! and don't you think my mom's dress is a bit low cut!! sheesh! she's practically naked! and those cheesy smiles, I don't think they are really playing boggle, I think they are plotting some kind of terrorist attack --

well, hope you enjoy the little moment back in time.

laura

We're Coming!!

2008-06-08T18:56:00.002-04:00

Made our reservations today for our trip to Virginia for Erin's wedding. Fred, Che' and I will be arriving on Tuesday, August 5th (technically I guess it's the 6th we arrive at midnight) and will be returning home on August 11th. Julie will be joining us later in the week. Still not sure about Bill since he's not sure what he will be doing job wise at that time. Can't wait to see everyone. Kathy

I'm a Spoiler

2008-06-04T00:27:00.005-04:00

We babysat both Avery and Simon overnight last night for the first time and just before they arrived Che' called to talk. I told him the kids were spending the night and he told me Grandpa should watch Avery because she's just a baby and I should watch Simon. He said, "that's because you're the spoiler Grandma and Simon needs you." I asked him if that was a good thing and if I spoiled him and he said it's definitely a good thing and I spoil him all the time so I asked him what he liked best and he he said, "don't you remember when we ate ice cream for breakfast and got busted, but it was the best."

Well the tradition continues we didn't eat ice cream for breakfast but we definitely had ice cream and Avery even got her very first taste of ice cream. We had the BEST TIME and played non-stop, except when we slept. This was a practice run. They're coming on Friday to spend the weekend because Bill and Amy are going up north for a wedding. We're trying to get lots of rest, have a feeling we're going to need it. Being a grandparent is just the best and I guess it's true I am a spoiler but I love it!!

Is my life blog worthy?

2008-05-28T01:41:00.009-04:00

Brett says our lives are not really very blog worthy. Nothing too exciting happens--but due to Leonhardt nudging, I think I've created a Pemble Blog! So, look over to the right or wherever it is, and it should say "pemble people" and you can read about our terribly boring lives! or you can just look at the pictures, I don't care! Here are some pics the kids took when they were bored the other day--it rains a lot here, so we get bored often!

Big Thank You to Erin for her patience with me in trying to get this thing figured out. Thanks Erin!

Danny and Christy, champions?

2008-05-26T18:29:00.003-04:00

Wow!! I'm trying not to be afraid of technology so here I go with my first blog entry of all time. Dani-Joy is not the only soccer player in our family. Danny and I are in the championship game Friday night. It's a co-ed league. I'll keep you "posted". -Christy

Soccer Champions!!!

2008-05-26T16:58:00.007-04:00

DJ's team just won the Virginian U-10 Premier Gold division for the second year in a row. This is one of the states biggest tournaments, they beat the best of the best. Went undefeated this weekend winning 5 games.

Hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day! - Danny

Bucket List

2008-05-26T16:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Tina - I can't believe how big your son is, wow can't wait to see you guys at the wedding. I read your blogs and you are an amazing writer. Hope you can make your dream come true to be a travel writer. Where are you headed in Ireland? It's such a beautiful country. Send us a picture when you get back. I LOVED your bucket list and have a feeling you'll accomplish them all. What a great idea. We're babysitting the grandkids so need to run for now. Kathy

How Exciting

2008-05-26T15:58:00.001-04:00

You must be so excited to have found your apartment. I remember how excited I was to make a home with Fred. It's such an exciting time in your life. How are wedding plans coming and are you looking for a summer job or permanent job? Wasn't sure from your post. Kathy

We got an apartment!

2008-05-21T22:53:00.002-04:00

Just a real quicky update, this past Saturday, Kyle and I signed for an apartment in Arlington, VA, right near DC!! Yay! It is about 35 minutes from my parent's home in Ashburn. Anyway, Kyle moves in the end of June, and I'll move in right after we're married. :)

Just thought I'd update you all. Thanks for the prayers!

Our new address will be:

5055 South Chesterfield Dr. Apt 312
Arlington, VA 22206

- Erin

Who are all you people?

2008-05-21T09:58:00.006-04:00

Look at all of you! WHAT A GORGEOUS FAMILY I HAVE! But I feel like I need to step into a time machine and check out my cousins and family in the 80's and 90's so I recognize you now. Maybe we should wear name tags at Erin's wedding. Or is it Dani's wedding? It's been so long!!

Things are good here. Busy as usual. I won't go in to a gazillion details, if you really have nothing else better to do you can check out my blog: http://www.tinabrowntravels.blogspot.com/ or my other website: tinabrowntravels.com

I am really excited about something Luke and I are doing next month. We are headed to Africa to work in an orphanage. We'll most likely be in Kenya (at that orphanage) for a week and then a 3 day safari thru Tanzania. Luke, as you can imagine, is not thrilled with getting shots, but is willing to do just so we can yell at the nurse/doctor as he does it, "YOU SHOT ME!!" and fall to the floor flailing about.

We will meet Lucy, the girl we sponsor in Nairobi.

Other than that, we're good. Enjoying the hot weather that just passed thru. I go to Ireland tomorrow for a long weekend. I've been practicing my .... "they're always after me lucky charms!"

Thanks Erin for setting this all up, wonderful idea. I love reading about family and seeing the pictures. It will be great to see you all in a couple months.

Have a fabulous day!

Kathy & Fred, I love the picture of you guys floating around with Che.

What a great idea!!

2008-05-15T15:46:00.009-04:00

Thanks Erin for setting this up - it's a great idea and hopefully will be well used by the whole family. We just returned from 3 1/2 weeks on the East Coast. One week with Che' at WDW during his Easter break. Julie had to be in Charlotte for training but was able to join us on the weekend. Had a great time. Even went on an airboat ride and saw at least 40 alligators and flew in space at Kennedy Space Center.

We then spent the rest of the time in Hoboken with Julie and Che' and were there for Julie's swearing in ceremony. It's official, she's a real lawyer, Julie Leonhardt, Esquire and we are so very proud of her. Had a great time but missed our little ones back home. Sure wish we could get the whole family in the same place but at least we're thankful we have the time and money to fly to the East Coast. Fred and I are coming for the wedding and hope the whole family can make it - would love to see everyone!! Haven't quite figured out how to put these pictures where I want them but at least I got them on the page.

Congratulations Erin on graduation, didn't realize it was so early. What an exciting time for you. How are the wedding plans coming?

Welcome to the family webpage

2008-05-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

We are very proud of Erin and Kyle for graduating from James Madison University earlier this month. It was the schools 100 year celebration. It was a great day and we look forward to see where the Lord will use them in the future.

We are also excited to see your photos and here about your latest news too.
Thanks Erin for making this website for all of us.

Danny

Welcome!

2008-05-14T20:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome!

I hope you all use this site so that we can stay in touch with each other! I have this idea that if we occasionally post stories, info, photos, and videos we can all feel a little more connected without having to use precious cell phone minutes! (In this house, it is a crime to make a phone call before 9pm, if it can wait ;)

As for me and my immediate family, we are doing well here out on the East Coast. Mom and Dad are working hard, Elizabeth and I are hardly working (just kidding, but we do sleep in til 11 and THEN look for jobs) :) Charlie is busy working at his sandwich shop and enjoying his friends, and DJ is enjoying school and soccer and cheerleading, and football.

I hope you all got the Save the Date magnets, and I look forward to seeing you all at the wedding!

Love you all!

- Erin